Labour lost the general election to the Conservatives (led by Margaret Thatcher) in May 1979 and when Callaghan stepped down as Labour leader 18 months later, Healey was favourite to win the Labour Party leadership election, decided by Labour MPs.
Labour lost the general election to the Conservatives (led by Margaret Thatcher) in May 1979. Healey was favourite to win the Labour Party leadership election. The Labour Party leadership election was decided by Labour MPs. Callaghan stepped down as Labour leader 18 months later.