Thatcher reduced public spending for the state education system which eliminated free milk for school children. During this same time the incumbent Conservative Party leader, Edward Heath, faced strong public disapproval.
1975 - 1979 Elected Conservative Leader (Leader of the Opposition)
Thatcher defeated Heath, becoming the first woman to lead a Western political party. During this time the Labour Party brought the country to near bankruptcy in 1976, which resulted in strikes during the winter of 1978. The General Elections of May 1979 showed the change in public opinion, with the conservative party regaining control, making Thatcher the new PM.
Thatcher’s third term as Prime Minister was difficult and unsuccessful. Disputes within the party, such as European integration and a new system of taxation (Poll Tax) hurt her support. The poll tax made it so everyone in a council area was taxed equally, citizens rioted due to this tax, which was overturned after Thatcher left. The worsening economic situation in Britain (1989) further hurt Thatcher’s support. Thatcher's colleagues then forced her to resign from prime minister and the position was given to John Major. In 1992, she resigned from the House of Commons.
