The Conservatives increase their majority to three figures on the back of prosperity. 1960 Bevan dies. Labour begins a run of byelection successes as Macmillan's government becomes unpopular. Hugh Gaitskell dies suddenly. Harold Wilson succeeds him.
Labour win the election but very narrowly.
Wilson governs cautiously and popularly. Wilson's popularity wins Labour a near-100 seat majority. The government becomes increasingly unpopular. A recovery in the government's popularity prompts Wilson to call an election which he unexpectedly loses to Edward Heath. 1972 Deputy Leader Roy Jenkins resigns over the EC stance.