Why did Harold Wilson resign when he did?

In the first episode of a new two-part miniseries, Richard and Lee discuss the 1976 transition of power from Harold Wilson to Jim Callaghan.

First, they consider the why, when and how of Wilson's resignation. The news that he would be resigning as Prime Minister shocked Westminster and the wider world - so what explains Wilson's decision to leave when he did? And as one of the few post-war PMs not to be bundled out the door by the judgement of his party or the electorate, could Wilson's departure be considered a triumph?

In the next episode, Lee and Richard will turn to the race to replace Wilson - arguably the most impressive leadership election ever.

In this episode, the following books are mentioned:

'How Not to Be a Political Wife' by Sarah Vine. Available at: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16406/9780008746575

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose' by James Macintyre. Available at: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16406/9781526673411

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Since Attlee & Churchill is a podcast about post-war British politics - literally since Attlee & Churchill - and is hosted by Lee David Evans, an historian of the Conservative Party, and Richard Johnson, an historian of the Labour Party.

Enjoy ad-free listening, bonus episodes and show your support for the podcast by joining the Since Attlee & Churchill Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SinceAttleeAndChurchill

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