Heath's ministry ended after the February 1974 general election, which produced a hung parliament, leading to the formation of a minority government by Harold Wilson of the Labour Party.

The Conservatives enjoyed a surge in support over the next two years as the British economy went through a period of fluctuation with growth and contraction.

Unemployment rose significantly, but when Harold Wilson called a general election for June 1970, the opinion polls all pointed towards a third successive Labour victory.

Heath's response in February 1974 was to call a general election, urging the voters to decide whether it was the government or the unions which ran Britain.

[2] A second general election was widely anticipated later in 1974, and was called by Harold Wilson for 10 October, in which the Labour Party gained a three-seat majority.