Harold Wilson

Harold Wilson, the former Prime Minister of the UK, was born on March 11, 1916 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

At the age of 8 in 1924, Harold Wilson visited 10 Downing Street, which later became his residence as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

In 1931, Wilson's education was disrupted when he contracted typhoid fever after drinking contaminated milk on a Scouts' outing. It took him months to recover from the illness.

Harold Wilson won a scholarship to Jesus College, Oxford in 1934, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.

Harold Wilson studied Modern History for a year before switching to Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford University, where he graduated with a first-class BA degree.

After graduating, Harold Wilson became a lecturer in Economics at New College in 1937.

Harold Wilson married Mary Baldwin on New Year's Day 1940 in the chapel of Mansfield College, Oxford.

After winning his seat in the 1945 general election, Harold Wilson was immediately appointed to the government as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, marking the beginning of his political career.

At the age of 31, Harold Wilson was appointed as the President of the Board of Trade, making him the youngest member of a British Cabinet in the 20th century. Initially favoring a more interventionist policy, he later shifted his focus to reducing wartime rationing and removing controls to promote peacetime prosperity.

Harold Wilson announced the removal of over 200,000 licenses and permits by the Board of Trade, aiming to eliminate wartime controls hindering the transition to peacetime prosperity. His success with the 'bonfire controls' established his reputation as a modernizing specialist in economic policies.

In mid-1949, Harold Wilson, along with two other young ministers, advised Prime Minister Attlee on financial matters in the absence of Chancellor of the Exchequer Stafford Cripps. Wilson's role in debates over devaluation of sterling led to mixed opinions about his political acumen.

In the general election of 1950, Harold Wilson's constituency was altered, and he was narrowly elected for the new seat of Huyton, solidifying his position in the political landscape.

Harold Wilson, known for his left-wing views, resigned from the government in April 1951 in protest against the introduction of National Health Service (NHS) medical charges during the Korean War financial crisis.

Harold Wilson's return to the front bench in 1954 was triggered by Aneurin Bevan's resignation from the Shadow Cabinet, which indirectly paved the way for Wilson's comeback to a prominent political position.

In 1955, Harold Wilson's procedural move led to the loss of the Government's Finance Bill. This event showcased Wilson's effectiveness as a Shadow Minister.

From 1956 onwards, Harold Wilson's speeches as Shadow Chancellor were widely praised for their clarity and wit. This contributed to his reputation as a skilled orator.

In 1959, Harold Wilson took on the dual roles of Chairman of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee and Shadow Chancellor. This move was unusual but showcased Wilson's capabilities.

He made an unsuccessful challenge for the Labour Party leadership in 1960, showcasing his ambition within the party.

In 1962, he was defeated in the contest for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party, facing a setback in his political career.

Harold Wilson, UK Labour leader, met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara on March 2, 1964. This meeting was significant in terms of international relations during that period.

Harold Wilson won his first election with a small majority of 4 on October 15, 1964.

Harold Wilson assumed office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on October 16, 1964.

Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith declared independence from Britain, leading a white minority government that refused to extend voting rights to the black majority.

Prime Minister Harold Wilson visited New York City and Philadelphia during an informal visit to the U.S. in December 1965.

Harold Wilson's second General Election victory on March 31, 1966, significantly increased his majority to 98.

Prime Minister Wilson distanced his government from U.S. President Johnson's bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong during the Vietnam War, despite offering rhetorical support for the U.S. position.

Prime Minister Harold Wilson undertook an official visit on July 28-29, 1966.

Prime Minister Harold Wilson made an informal visit during June 2-3, 1967. He later visited New York City.

On November 18, 1967, Harold Wilson's government devalued the pound by 14%, aiming to make exports cheaper and reduce trade deficits.

Prime Minister Harold Wilson had an official visit during February 7-9, 1968. He attended an NSC meeting at the White House on January 28.

Cecil Harmsworth King, chairman of IPC, approached Mountbatten in 1968 with a scheme to replace Wilson's administration with an 'emergency government'. King believed Wilson's government was on the verge of collapse and thought Mountbatten would be a suitable leader. Mountbatten, however, rejected the idea of heading an emergency government.

Harold and Mary Wilson along with Richard and Pat Nixon visited the White House on January 27, 1970.

On 18 June 1970, Harold Wilson called for a general election believing his popularity had risen, but his Labour Party faced defeat by the Conservative Party led by Edward Heath. This marked a significant political shift in the UK.

Prime Minister Harold Wilson made an official visit on February 1-2, 1973. Afterwards, he visited New York City.

In August 1973, while holidaying on the Isles of Scilly, Harold Wilson fell into the sea while trying to board a motorboat from a dinghy. He was close to death before being saved by Paul Wolff, resulting in embarrassment when the incident became public.

Harold Wilson won four general elections during his political career.

The General Election held on 28 February 1974 led to a situation where no single party had a majority in the parliament. Harold Wilson formed a minority government in this scenario.

Harold Wilson, a prominent figure in the Labour Party, served his second term as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1974 to 1976.

Harold Wilson's second term as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom began on March 4, 1974.

In the election held on 10 October 1974, Harold Wilson managed to secure a narrow majority of 3 seats, allowing him to continue as Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Harold Wilson had a private visit on January 29-31, 1975.

In 1975, a referendum was held in the UK to decide whether to stay in the European Community on new terms. The Labour party, led by Wilson, pledged to renegotiate the terms and then hold the referendum, which resulted in continued membership.

Harold Wilson is believed to have had early stage Alzheimer's disease when he resigned in 1976.

Harold Wilson resigned as Prime Minister on 16 March 1976, leading to James Callaghan stepping up as Prime Minister and Labour Party leader.

Harold Wilson resigned as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on April 5, 1976, ending his second term in office.

After departing from the House of Commons in 1979 following 38 years of service, Harold Wilson was granted a life peerage as Baron Wilson of Rievaulx. He had fought his last election in 1979 and continued to serve as a backbench MP for Huyton.

In 1983, after leaving the House of Commons, Harold Wilson was created Baron Wilson of Rievaulx, named after Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire, as he wished to remain an MP after leaving office.

After 1985, Harold Wilson's declining mental condition led him to withdraw from public life. He was rarely seen in public as his health deteriorated.

In May 1987, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher assured the House of Commons that there was no evidence to support the allegations of a conspiracy against Harold Wilson's government. The Director-General of the Security Service denied any involvement in activities to undermine Wilson.

On November 23, 1988, MP Chris Mullin argued that sources other than Peter Wright supported claims of a long-standing attempt by MI5 to undermine Harold Wilson's government.

A biography by Philip Ziegler that offers an authorized account of the life of Harold Wilson, delving into his political career and personal background.

Harold Wilson attended his last sitting in the House of Lords on 27 April 1994, just over a year before his death.

Harold Wilson had a picture taken with other Labour Lords on 15 June 1994, just under a year before his death.

Harold Wilson, the former Prime Minister of the UK, passed away on May 23, 1995 in London.

Harold Wilson passed away on May 24, 1995. He was known for his intellect and political career that spanned throughout the twentieth century.

Harold Wilson was buried at St Mary's Old Church, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, on 6 June.

Harold Wilson's memorial service was held in Westminster Abbey on 13 July 1995, attended by various dignitaries.

The first statue of Harold Wilson was unveiled in Huddersfield in 1999 by Prime Minister Tony Blair, depicting Wilson at the start of his first term as prime minister.

Oliver Daddow's thesis at the University of Nottingham exploring the historiography of British European policy from 1945 to 1973.

Helen Parr's work focusing on Harold Wilson's interactions with Whitehall and British policy towards the European Community from 1964 to 1967.

A book by Oliver Daddow discussing Britain's second application to join the European Economic Community (EEC) during Harold Wilson's time as Prime Minister.

In 2005, files were released showing that Harold Wilson was worried about being monitored by Russian ships disguised as trawlers while on the Isles of Scilly. Despite MI5 finding no evidence of this, Wilson was advised against using a walkie-talkie.

In 2006, a BBC programme titled 'The Plot Against Harold Wilson' reported on Wilson's allegations of plots to overthrow his government, including plans to install Lord Louis Mountbatten as interim Prime Minister.

BBC Radio 4's Document programme uncovered a secret plan called Doomsday in 2008, which aimed to sever all constitutional ties between the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, turning the province into an independent dominion. The plan, allegedly devised by Wilson, was kept confidential and later lost momentum due to warnings from key figures like James Callaghan and Garret FitzGerald.

The Defence of the Realm report stated that MI5 had a file on Wilson since 1945 due to communist civil servants' claims, but there was no bugging of his home or office, and no conspiracy against him.

Newspaper reports in 2010 alleged that the Cabinet Office had required the omission of the bugging section of 10 Downing Street from the history for 'wider public interest reasons'.

An opinion poll in September 2011 found that Harold Wilson came in third place when respondents were asked to name the best post-war Labour Party leader.

In 2013, the Government of Bangladesh honored Harold Wilson with the Friends of Liberation War Honour for his efforts in highlighting the struggles of the people of Bangladesh during the Liberation War.

Mary Wilson, Harold Wilson's wife, died in 2018 at the age of 102, outliving Harold by 23 years.

In 2024, it was revealed that Harold Wilson had an affair with Janet Hewlett-Davies during his final two years as Prime Minister.