A Few Seats More: Wilson Wins a Larger Majority in 1964?

[Beata Beatrix]

Honestly, there’s a question as to whether Heath is even an MP. Bexley was not exactly a safe seat and he came close to being ousted by Labour in ‘64 (roughly 4000 votes in it) and ‘66 (roughly 2000 votes in it). Depending on the size of the majority and the swing to get there, Labour might well have taken him out before the next leadership election.

Even if he survives, his majority would probably be tiny and he’d likely be a big target with a high risk of being Balfoured. That makes him somewhat less attractive than OTL.

This was my thought as well – but Maudling is sort of his own burgeoning catastrophe of a man. On the other hand, I could see a 1968 election lost by Labour more than it's won by Maudling...

 

[Elektronaut]

I don't think there's any chance of Labour winning a bigger majority than 1966 in 1964. Given the sheer amount of unforced errors the Tories made (Home, Abolishing RPM etc) I think Labour was lucky to win the election at all.