Labour Party (UK) deputy leadership election, 1972

Updated on Oct 03, 2024

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25 April 1972 (1972-04-25) 1976 → 89 61 34.1% 23.4%		111 89 42.5% 34.1% 145 116

The 1972 Labour Party deputy leadership election took place on 25 April 1972 after Roy Jenkins resigned as deputy leader over the decision to hold a referendum on Britain's entry into the Common Market.

Edward Short, formerly Education Secretary in the government of Harold Wilson, was regarded as a "unity" candidate, and won the election over his main rival, the left-winger Michael Foot, who had unsuccessfully stood for the deputy leadership in 1970 and 1971.

Candidates

Anthony Crosland, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Member of Parliament for Great Grimsby

Michael Foot, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, Member of Parliament for Ebbw Vale

Edward Short, Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Science, Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne Central

References

Labour Party (UK) deputy leadership election, 1972 Wikipedia

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