Nobody was more surprised than Alec Douglas-Home himself by his elevation to the Premiership in 1963 on Harold Macmillan’s resignation. Only a year earlier, he had categorically ruled out any Prime Ministerial ambition in a media interview, admitting that economics left him baffled. But defying a reputation as a man of Munich, for his support for Chamberlain in 1938, Douglas-Home fought a relatively successful rear guard action between 1963 and his narrow election defeat a year later. The economy prospered, albeit aided by a Keynesian reflation, and the international situation was becalmed. Consumer choice was extended as Resale Price Maintenance was reformed. Wilson as expected duly won the 1964 election but Douglas Home’s political damage limitation exercise restricted Wilson to a majority of four.
This lecture is part of the 'One-Term Prime Ministers: Their Reputations Revised?' lecture series, taking place on Fridays from 30th January 2026 to the 6th March 2026. You may either register for individual lectures or the entire lecture series at a reduced price.
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