 Wilson 's small majority after the 1964 general election had made the transaction of government business difficult , and in 1966 he called another election in which Labour gained a strong working majority of 96 . Some older members of Heath 's team , including Lloyd , retired from the front bench , making room for members of the next generation . Heath moved Maudling to the foreign affairs portfolio , and Douglas @-@ Home took over Lloyd 's responsibilities as spokesman on Commonwealth relations . Heath was widely seen as ineffective against Wilson , and as the 1970 general election approached there was concern within the party that he would lose , and that Powell would seek to replace him as leader . Maudling and the chief whip , William Whitelaw , believed that if Heath had to resign Douglas @-@ Home would be the safest candidate to keep Powell out . Douglas @-@ Home shared their view that Labour would win the 1970 election , and that Heath might then have to resign , but he declined to commit himself . To the surprise of almost everyone except Heath , the Conservatives won the election , with a majority of 31 seats . 
