Vowing a ‘Quiet Revolution’ of free market policies, especially to curb inflation, Ted Heath performed his famous U-turns embracing the policies of the predecessor Labour government. In came nationalisation, incomes policy, and industrial subsidies. Trade union reform was put on ice. Deficit financing and monetary expansion increased inflation from the 8% he inherited to 27%.
Moreover, 1973 was the worst year for strikes since the 1926 General Strike, and twice Heath was humiliated by the miners, whose strikes were successful. Aside from the economy, Heath negotiated British entry to the EEC, for which he was much praised at the time, and supported the détente policies of the early 1970’s.
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.
This lecture will close to enrolments at 23:59 GMT on 10 February 2026.