Callaghan and the Winter of Discontent 1974–1979

The period from 1974 to 1979 was one of the most turbulent in modern British political history. Wilson returned to power leading a minority government, called a second election in October 1974 to secure a wafer-thin majority, and resigned unexpectedly in March 1976. His successor James Callaghan inherited an economy ravaged by inflation, industrial unrest, and the humiliation of the IMF crisis. The "Winter of Discontent" of 1978–79 destroyed Labour's claim to be the party that could manage the trade unions, and opened the door to Margaret Thatcher.

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Wilson's Final Government 1974–1976

The February and October 1974 Elections

Election	Result
February 1974	Labour 301, Conservatives 297, Liberals 14. No overall majority. Wilson formed a minority government
October 1974	Labour 319, Conservatives 277, Liberals 13. Labour majority of 3 — barely a mandate for radical action

Key Policies