Edward Richard George Heath (1916-2005)

Edward Richard George 'Ted' Heath (9 July 1916 - 17 July 2005) was a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1970 to 1974.

 Early Life and Family 

Edward Richard George Heath was born on the 9th July 1916 at 54 Albion Road, Broadstairs; the son of William George Heath (1888-1976) and Edith Annie Pantony (1888-1951). He had a younger brother: John Ronald Heath (1920-1982).

 Career 

After attending and graduating from Oxford University, Heath enrolled in the army as a part of the Royal Artillery and served in the Second World War. As a result of his service, he eventually became a Lietenant Colonel and recieved and MBE in 1946.

Heath was elected the Conservative Member of Parliament for Bexley in 1950 (a post which he held until 2001 (under the constituency's different names)), and soon became the government's Chief Whip in 1955 under Anthony Eden. A position which was followed by becoming Lord Privy Seal five years later in 1960. Not long after, in 1963 under Harold Macmillan's government, Heath was appointed Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development.

In 1965, Heath succeeded Alec Douglas-Home as Leader of the Opposition, which was soon followed by becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1970. Heath stayed on as Prime Minister for almost four years, by which time his popularity had decilined and was replaced by Margaret Thatcher during the election.

Heath continued serving in parliament until 2001, when he retired at the age of 85.

 Marriage and Issue 

Heath never married or had issue during his lifetime.

 Death 

Heath died on the 17th July 2005 in Salisbury or pneumonia at the age of 89.