Denis Winston Healey Biography

Denis Winston Healey is born in Mottingham.

Healey grows up in Keighley in the West Riding of Yorkshire after early childhood in the south.

Healey attends Bradford Grammar School before winning his Oxford scholarship.

Healey wins academic recognition that helps take him from Bradford Grammar School to Oxford.

Healey arrives at Balliol College, Oxford, where politics and classical studies dominate his student years.

Healey wins an exhibition to Balliol College, Oxford, to read Greats and becomes active in Labour politics.

Healey becomes active in the Oxford Labour Club and develops the political interests that shape his later career.

Healey joins the Communist Party at Oxford in 1937 before leaving it in 1940 after becoming disillusioned with Soviet policy.

Healey combines classical studies with political activism and debate while studying at Oxford.

At Oxford, Healey joins the Communist Party during a period of intense political engagement.

Healey combines classical studies with intensive involvement in student politics at Balliol College.

Healey serves as President of Balliol College Junior Common Room while active in student politics.

The Nazi-Soviet pact deepens Healey’s doubts about Communist policy and Soviet intentions.

Healey joins the British Army after completing his Oxford degree.

Healey enters wartime service instead of pursuing an academic career at Oxford.

Healey leaves the Communist Party after becoming disillusioned with Soviet policy and the consequences of the Nazi-Soviet pact.

Healey leaves the Communist Party after becoming disillusioned with Soviet conduct and Communist doctrine.

Healey completes his Oxford degree with a double first in classical studies.

Healey achieves a double first for his degree, awarded in 1940.

Healey wins a Harmsworth Senior Scholarship at Merton before wartime service changes his path.

Healey serves first as a gunner in the Royal Artillery before commissioning.

Healey receives a commission and transfers into the Royal Engineers.

Healey serves with the Royal Engineers after being commissioned during the war.

Healey is commissioned as a second lieutenant.

Healey serves in North Africa during the Allied campaign against Axis forces.

Healey sees active service in the North African campaign against Axis forces.

Healey continues active service during the long Allied campaign in Italy.

Healey continues his wartime service as Allied forces advance into mainland Italy.

Healey takes part in the Allied invasion of Sicily during Operation Husky.

Healey serves during the Allied invasion of Sicily.

Healey serves as a beach master during the British assault at Anzio.

Healey works as a beach master during the difficult Allied landings at Anzio.

Healey leaves the British Army with the rank of major after service in North Africa and Italy.

Healey becomes an important Labour foreign policy adviser after the wartime coalition ends.

Healey directs Labour’s International Department and develops relationships with democratic socialist parties across Europe.

Healey becomes secretary of Labour’s International Department and advises party leaders on foreign affairs.

Healey is awarded the MBE.

Healey receives appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for wartime service.

Healey leaves the army with the rank of major after wartime service.

Healey narrowly fails to win the Conservative-held seat of Pudsey and Otley, doubling the Labour vote but losing by 1,651 votes.

Healey is appointed secretary of Labour’s International Department and becomes a foreign-policy adviser to party leaders.

Healey contests Pudsey and Otley for Labour, substantially increasing the party vote but failing to win the seat.

Healey marries Edna May Edmunds, whom he had met at Oxford before the war.

Healey’s marriage to fellow Oxford graduate Edna Edmunds begins a partnership lasting until her death.

Healey strengthens Labour’s contacts with democratic socialist parties rebuilding across postwar Europe.

Healey builds links with European socialist parties through Labour's international work.

Healey promotes a democratic socialist foreign policy that firmly opposes Soviet-backed communism.

Healey argues for a firm anti-communist Labour foreign policy during the early Cold War.

Healey serves as a councillor of the Royal Institute of International Affairs.

From 1948 to 1960 he was a councillor for the Royal Institute of International Affairs.

Healey begins service as a councillor of the Royal Institute of International Affairs.

Healey supports Britain’s participation in NATO as a foundation of collective security in Western Europe.

Healey supports Labour's commitment to Atlantic security during the creation of NATO.

Healey again contests Pudsey and Otley but remains outside the House of Commons.

Healey contests Pudsey and Otley again but does not win the seat.

Healey builds a parliamentary reputation through speeches on defence, Europe and international security.

Healey begins his parliamentary career as a Labour specialist on defence and foreign affairs.

Healey is elected Member of Parliament for Leeds South East.

Healey is elected to the House of Commons as Member of Parliament for Leeds South East at a by-election with a majority of 7000 votes.

Healey wins the Leeds South East by-election and enters the House of Commons.

Healey enters Parliament after winning the Leeds South East by-election for Labour.

Healey joins the Fabian Society executive and contributes to Labour policy debate.

Healey joins the Fabian Society executive and contributes to its policy discussions.

Healey serves on the Fabian Society executive from 1954 until 1961.

Healey wins Leeds East at the 1955 general election.

Healey begins representing Leeds East, a constituency he retains until his Commons retirement in 1992.

Healey moves to Leeds East at the general election and holds it for decades.

Healey wins the newly created Leeds East constituency and represents it until retiring from the Commons.

Healey opposes the Conservative government’s military intervention during the Suez Crisis.

Healey criticises the Conservative government's Suez policy from the Labour benches.

Healey serves with the International Institute for Strategic Studies from 1958 until 1961.

Healey becomes associated with strategic studies debates during the nuclear age.

Healey participates in strategic studies discussions concerning NATO, nuclear deterrence and conventional defence.

Healey begins a period as a Labour front-bench shadow secretary of state.

Healey enters Labour’s Shadow Cabinet and works on foreign affairs.

Healey develops Labour policy on European security, NATO and relations with the Soviet Union.

Healey moves to a new shadow secretary role as Labour reorganises its front bench.

Healey continues as a Labour shadow secretary of state before taking the defence portfolio.

Healey challenges racial inequality and political repression in Southern Rhodesia during a Commons debate.

Healey leads Labour's defence policy work before the 1964 general election.

Healey takes responsibility for developing Labour’s defence policy before the general election.

After Labour won the 1964 election Healey serves throughout the Government as Secretary of State for Defence.

Healey reassesses Britain’s global defence commitments while seeking substantial reductions in military expenditure.

Healey is responsible for defence policy as the Labour Government continues the Polaris programme.

Healey is appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Defence.

Healey prepares the reduction of permanent British military commitments east of Suez.

Healey enters Harold Wilson's cabinet as Secretary of State for Defence.

Healey joins Harold Wilson’s Cabinet as Secretary of State for Defence.

Healey cancels the HS.681 transport aircraft project as the government reduces planned defence expenditure.

Healey cancels the Hawker Siddeley P.1154 vertical-take-off fighter project during defence economies.

Healey cancels the planned fifth Polaris submarine while retaining a four-boat nuclear deterrent force.

Healey announces cancellation of the TSR-2 strike aircraft programme.

Healey announces the cancellation of the costly TSR-2 strike and reconnaissance aircraft programme.

Healey cancels the proposed CVA-01 aircraft carrier as part of a shift away from large carrier operations.

Healey publishes a defence review aimed at reducing commitments and modernising strategy.

Healey publishes a major defence review designed to concentrate British commitments in Europe and NATO.

Healey keeps NATO and the defence of Western Europe at the centre of British military planning.

Healey keeps NATO commitments central while seeking savings in wider British defence policy.

Healey oversees military planning for Britain’s withdrawal from Aden amid worsening violence.

Healey oversees defence planning as Britain prepares to leave Aden.

Healey cuts defence expenditure, including the carrier HMS Centaur and the reconstructed HMS Victorious.

Healey faces cancellation of the planned F-111A purchase from the United States.

Healey defends the proposed purchase of American F-111A aircraft before the order is later cancelled.

The F111A order from the USA is cancelled, Healey is opposed but is overruled by Wilson.

Healey approves the withdrawal of HMS Centaur as carrier forces are reduced.

Healey decides against an expensive reconstruction of HMS Victorious after a serious fire.

Healey announces faster withdrawal from major British bases east of Suez.

Healey announces accelerated withdrawal from major bases east of Suez.

Healey accepts cancellation of the F-111A order after rising costs and economic pressure undermine the programme.

Healey plans the ending of Britain’s permanent military presence in Singapore and Malaysia.

Wilson and Healey announce carrier cuts and withdrawals from major bases east of Suez.

After devaluation, Wilson and Healey announce carrier cuts and withdrawals from bases east of Suez.

The East of Suez phrase enters political language as Labour plans withdrawal from major overseas bases.

Healey supports NATO’s flexible-response strategy combining conventional forces with nuclear deterrence.

Healey cancels the proposed CVA-01 fleet carrier replacement and downgrades HMS Hermes in 1970 to a Commando Carrier.

Healey becomes Shadow Foreign Secretary after Labour returns to opposition.

Healey leaves the Defence Ministry after Labour loses the general election.

Healey returns immediately to Labour’s front bench as a shadow secretary of state.

Healey becomes shadow defence spokesman after Labour loses the general election.

Healey begins a five-year term on Labour’s National Executive Committee.

Healey begins service on Labour's National Executive Committee.

Healey participates in Labour’s internal debate over British membership of the European Communities.

Healey handles foreign affairs for Labour during internal arguments over Europe.

Healey is appointed Shadow Chancellor after Roy Jenkins resigned in a row over Europe.

Healey becomes Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer after Roy Jenkins leaves the post.

Healey develops a combative tax message against property speculation before Labour returns to office.

Healey argues Labour can fight inflation through cooperation with the trade unions.

Healey develops a programme of higher taxation on the largest incomes before Labour returns to office.

Healey warns the Labour conference that wealthy taxpayers will face sharply increased marginal rates.

Healey warns that high earners will face sharply increased marginal taxation under a Labour government.

Denis Winston Healey presents the 1974 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1974 Budget under Denis Winston Healey sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Healey works with trade unions under Labour's Social Contract approach to pay and inflation.

In The Times Healey says that he would "squeeze property speculators until the pips squeak".

Healey raises the top rates on earned and unearned income while increasing food and pension subsidies for poorer households.

Healey becomes Chancellor of the Exchequer when Labour returns to government.

Healey is appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, 1st term.

Healey becomes Chancellor as inflation and wage pressure dominate economic policy.

Healey delivers his first Budget shortly after Labour returns to office.

Healey presents an emergency Budget combining tax increases with food subsidies and pension support.

Healey frames his first Budget around inflation, subsidies and cooperation with unions.

Healey continues as Chancellor of the Exchequer after Labour wins the October 1974 general election.

Healey promises to squeeze property speculators until the pips squeak and attacks profits made from rapidly appreciating agricultural land.

Healey introduces a second Budget to address inflation, taxation and the deteriorating economic position.

Denis Winston Healey presents the 1975 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1975 Budget under Denis Winston Healey sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Healey advocates higher taxation on upper incomes while using additional revenue to support poorer households.

Healey introduces a higher VAT rate on selected goods as part of measures to restrain consumer demand.

Healey makes inflation control the central economic challenge of his chancellorship.

Healey argues that wage restraint is essential to reducing inflation.

Healey introduces a strict pay policy to restrain wage inflation.

Healey presses for pay restraint as inflation reaches severe levels.

Healey presents a Budget focused on inflation control, public expenditure restraint and industrial recovery.

Healey uses the Budget to support anti-inflation policy within the Social Contract framework.

Sterling devaluation increases pressure on Healey to secure stricter wage restraint.

Healey gives trade unions one week to accept a ten percent limit on pay increases.

Healey supports the 6 pounds weekly limit as part of the anti-inflation package.

Healey supports a voluntary limit of six pounds on weekly pay increases to slow inflation.

Healey backs the six pounds weekly pay limit as part of the anti-inflation package.

Healey moves in the 2nd reading of a Bill to control pay increases, passed by 294 to 16.

Healey sees pay-control legislation progress after intense Commons debate.

Denis Winston Healey presents the 1976 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1976 Budget under Denis Winston Healey sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Britain begins offering tax breaks to owners of important works of art, inheritance taxes are spared in exchange for periodic viewing.

Healey contests the party leadership after Harold Wilson's resignation but is defeated.

Abandons the policy of full employment while negotiating with the IMF.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Abandons the policy of full employment while negotiating with the IMF.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Abandons the policy of full employment while negotiating with the IMF.

IMF context: Abandons the policy of full employment while negotiating with the IMF.

Negotiates conditions attached to the IMF loan.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Negotiates conditions attached to the IMF loan.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Negotiates conditions attached to the IMF loan.

IMF context: Negotiates conditions attached to the IMF loan.

Healey negotiates spending cuts and conditions linked to the IMF loan.

Negotiates spending cuts and conditions linked to the IMF loan.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Negotiates spending cuts and conditions linked to the IMF loan.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Negotiates spending cuts and conditions linked to the IMF loan.

IMF context: Negotiates spending cuts and conditions linked to the IMF loan.

Negotiates public spending measures associated with the IMF loan.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Negotiates public spending measures associated with the IMF loan.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Negotiates public spending measures associated with the IMF loan.

IMF context: Negotiates public spending measures associated with the IMF loan.

Healey links public spending restraint with continued pay discipline.

Healey negotiates with the IMF. Makes spending cuts & abandons the policy of full employment.

Healey negotiates with the International Monetary Fund.

Makes spending cuts while negotiating with the IMF.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Makes spending cuts while negotiating with the IMF.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Makes spending cuts while negotiating with the IMF.

IMF context: Makes spending cuts while negotiating with the IMF.

Britain slashes welfare spending.

The British pound falls below the equivalent of $2 for the first time.

Healey stands in the Labour leadership election after Harold Wilson announces his resignation.

Healey receives 30 votes in the first ballot of the Labour leadership election.

Healey receives 38 votes in the second ballot but is eliminated from the leadership contest.

After receiving 30 votes in the first ballot and 38 in the second, Healey is eliminated and supports James Callaghan in the final ballot.

Healey presents a Budget linking tax reductions to agreement on a further round of wage restraint.

Healey works with the TUC on a second phase of pay restraint.

Healey works with the TUC on the second phase of pay restraint.

Healey announces public expenditure reductions totalling approximately one billion pounds at 1976 survey prices.

The pound falls to $1.68.

The pound falls to $1.67.

Healey turns back from Heathrow during the sterling crisis to manage emergency talks in London.

Abandons his journey to an IMF meeting and returns to London as sterling comes under severe pressure.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Abandons his journey to an IMF meeting and returns to London as sterling comes under severe pressure.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Abandons his journey to an IMF meeting and returns to London as sterling comes under severe pressure.

IMF context: Abandons his journey to an IMF meeting and returns to London as sterling comes under severe pressure.

Healey abandons his journey to an IMF meeting and returns to London as sterling comes under severe pressure.

Returns from Heathrow during the sterling emergency rather than continuing to the IMF meeting.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Returns from Heathrow during the sterling emergency rather than continuing to the IMF meeting.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Returns from Heathrow during the sterling emergency rather than continuing to the IMF meeting.

IMF context: Returns from Heathrow during the sterling emergency rather than continuing to the IMF meeting.

Britain applies to the International Monetary Fund for a loan of $3.9 billion.

Responds to the sterling crisis by pursuing an IMF loan.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Responds to the sterling crisis by pursuing an IMF loan.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Responds to the sterling crisis by pursuing an IMF loan.

IMF context: Responds to the sterling crisis by pursuing an IMF loan.

Requests IMF financial support as pressure on sterling intensifies.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Requests IMF financial support as pressure on sterling intensifies.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Requests IMF financial support as pressure on sterling intensifies.

IMF context: Requests IMF financial support as pressure on sterling intensifies.

Announces that Britain will seek a 3.9 billion dollar standby loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Healey announces that Britain will seek a 3.9 billion dollar standby loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Announces that Britain will seek a 3.9 billion dollar standby loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Announces that Britain will seek a 3.9 billion dollar standby loan from the International Monetary Fund.

IMF context: Announces that Britain will seek a 3.9 billion dollar standby loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Seeks a standby loan from the International Monetary Fund during the sterling crisis.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Seeks a standby loan from the International Monetary Fund during the sterling crisis.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Seeks a standby loan from the International Monetary Fund during the sterling crisis.

IMF context: Seeks a standby loan from the International Monetary Fund during the sterling crisis.

Britain applies to the International Monetary Fund for a loan of $3.9 billion. Britain appeals to the International Monetary Fund for a stand-by loan of 2,300 million pounds.

Defends continued pay discipline while facing the IMF crisis.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Defends continued pay discipline while facing the IMF crisis.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Defends continued pay discipline while facing the IMF crisis.

IMF context: Defends continued pay discipline while facing the IMF crisis.

Healey faces the IMF loan application as sterling pressure intensifies.

Healey faces the IMF crisis while defending continued pay discipline.

Faces the IMF crisis while defending the Social Contract and pay discipline.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Faces the IMF crisis while defending the Social Contract and pay discipline.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Faces the IMF crisis while defending the Social Contract and pay discipline.

IMF context: Faces the IMF crisis while defending the Social Contract and pay discipline.

Faces intensifying sterling pressure as the IMF loan application is made.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Faces intensifying sterling pressure as the IMF loan application is made.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Faces intensifying sterling pressure as the IMF loan application is made.

IMF context: Faces intensifying sterling pressure as the IMF loan application is made.

Healey defends his measures to support the pound at the annual party conference.

Healey secures Commons support for the government’s economic strategy during the sterling crisis.

The government wins a confidence vote by a majority of 13 on its economic policy.

The pound falls to $1.59.

The pound falls to $1.57.

The Party's National Executive vote to protest to Parliament about Government cuts.

Concludes the December agreement underpinning Britain’s IMF programme.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Concludes the December agreement underpinning Britain’s IMF programme.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Concludes the December agreement underpinning Britain’s IMF programme.

IMF context: Concludes the December agreement underpinning Britain’s IMF programme.

Commits Britain to fiscal measures supporting the IMF loan agreement.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Commits Britain to fiscal measures supporting the IMF loan agreement.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Commits Britain to fiscal measures supporting the IMF loan agreement.

IMF context: Commits Britain to fiscal measures supporting the IMF loan agreement.

Healey signs the letter of intent committing Britain to fiscal measures supporting the IMF loan agreement.

Signs the letter of intent committing Britain to fiscal measures supporting the IMF loan agreement.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Signs the letter of intent committing Britain to fiscal measures supporting the IMF loan agreement.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Signs the letter of intent committing Britain to fiscal measures supporting the IMF loan agreement.

IMF context: Signs the letter of intent committing Britain to fiscal measures supporting the IMF loan agreement.

Agrees an International Monetary Fund programme supporting sterling and public finances.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Agrees an International Monetary Fund programme supporting sterling and public finances.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Agrees an International Monetary Fund programme supporting sterling and public finances.

IMF context: Agrees an International Monetary Fund programme supporting sterling and public finances.

Agrees IMF-linked measures supporting public finances.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Agrees IMF-linked measures supporting public finances.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Agrees IMF-linked measures supporting public finances.

IMF context: Agrees IMF-linked measures supporting public finances.

Agrees an IMF programme intended to support sterling and public finances.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Agrees an IMF programme intended to support sterling and public finances.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Agrees an IMF programme intended to support sterling and public finances.

IMF context: Agrees an IMF programme intended to support sterling and public finances.

Denis Winston Healey presents the 1977 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1977 Budget under Denis Winston Healey sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Healey supports a phased return from strict controls to collective bargaining.

Approval of the IMF loan strengthens confidence in Britain’s economic programme.

Approval of the IMF loan strengthens confidence in Britain’s economic programme.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Approval of the IMF loan strengthens confidence in Britain’s economic programme.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Approval of the IMF loan strengthens confidence in Britain’s economic programme.

IMF context: Approval of the IMF loan strengthens confidence in Britain’s economic programme.

The International Monetary Fund approves Britain’s standby loan following the December agreement.

The International Monetary Fund approves Britain’s standby loan following the December agreement.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: The International Monetary Fund approves Britain’s standby loan following the December agreement.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: The International Monetary Fund approves Britain’s standby loan following the December agreement.

IMF context: The International Monetary Fund approves Britain’s standby loan following the December agreement.

The International Monetary Fund approves a loan of 2,300 million pounds to Great Britain.

The International Monetary Fund approves a standby loan worth 2.3 billion pounds for Britain.

Sees confidence strengthen after approval of Britain’s IMF standby loan.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Sees confidence strengthen after approval of Britain’s IMF standby loan.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Sees confidence strengthen after approval of Britain’s IMF standby loan.

IMF context: Sees confidence strengthen after approval of Britain’s IMF standby loan.

Healey presents a Budget after the IMF crisis as sterling pressure eases.

Uses the March Budget as the government seeks economic recovery after the IMF crisis.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Uses the March Budget as the government seeks economic recovery after the IMF crisis.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Uses the March Budget as the government seeks economic recovery after the IMF crisis.

IMF context: Uses the March Budget as the government seeks economic recovery after the IMF crisis.

Healey presents a Budget as sterling stabilises and the government seeks economic recovery after the IMF crisis.

Presents the March Budget as sterling stabilises after the IMF crisis.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Presents the March Budget as sterling stabilises after the IMF crisis.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Presents the March Budget as sterling stabilises after the IMF crisis.

IMF context: Presents the March Budget as sterling stabilises after the IMF crisis.

Presents a Budget after the IMF crisis as sterling pressure eases.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Presents a Budget after the IMF crisis as sterling pressure eases.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Presents a Budget after the IMF crisis as sterling pressure eases.

IMF context: Presents a Budget after the IMF crisis as sterling pressure eases.

Presents the Budget as sterling stabilises following the IMF crisis.

Economic-policy record linked to the IMF crisis: Presents the Budget as sterling stabilises following the IMF crisis.

Government response under Denis Winston Healey: Presents the Budget as sterling stabilises following the IMF crisis.

IMF context: Presents the Budget as sterling stabilises following the IMF crisis.

Healey announces a third phase intended to avoid a free-for-all in wages.

Healey moves toward a third phase of incomes policy.

Healey moves toward a third phase of incomes policy while seeking to prevent uncontrolled wage settlements.

Denis Winston Healey presents the 1978 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1978 Budget under Denis Winston Healey sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Healey backs a five percent pay guideline before the winter's industrial unrest.

Healey privately doubts whether the five percent limit can be sustained.

Healey raises child benefit and directs additional assistance toward working families.

Healey delivers a Budget providing tax reductions, industrial support and increased social spending.

Healey backs a five percent guideline for the next pay round despite growing trade-union resistance.

Healey introduces a White Paper setting a five percent pay guideline.

Healey is appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour.

Healey is awarded the Order of the Companions of Honour.

Healey leaves the Treasury after Labour loses the general election.

Healey becomes Shadow Chancellor after Labour loses the general election.

Healey returns to the opposition front bench as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Healey contests the leadership but defeated by Michael Foot by 139 to 129 votes, 2nd ballot.

Healey challenges Michael Foot for the Labour leadership but narrowly loses on the second ballot.

Healey becomes Deputy Leader of the Labour Party following Michael Foot’s leadership victory.

Healey serves as Deputy Leader after Michael Foot becomes Labour leader.

Healey survives Tony Benn's challenge for the deputy leadership by a narrow margin.

Healey narrowly defeats Tony Benn for the Deputy Leadership.

Healey retains the Labour deputy leadership after defeating Tony Benn in the electoral-college ballot.

Healey defeats Tony Benn with just over 50 percent of the electoral-college vote.

Healey defeats Tony Benn by a narrow margin and retains the Labour deputy leadership.

Healey supports military action to recover the Falkland Islands after Argentina occupies them.

Healey supports recovery of the Falkland Islands after Argentina's invasion.

Healey opposes unilateral nuclear disarmament from Labour's foreign affairs brief.

Healey is appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary under Labour leader Neil Kinnock.

Healey steps down as Labour’s deputy leader after the party’s general-election defeat.

Healey serves under Neil Kinnock as Labour seeks to recover after the 1983 defeat.

Healey leaves Labour’s front bench after nearly three decades of senior opposition and government service.

Healey leaves the front bench after years as Labour's senior foreign affairs spokesman.

Healey publishes "The Time of my Life".

Healey publishes My Secret Planet, reflecting his wide cultural and literary interests.

Healey retires from the House of Commons.

Healey enters the House of Lords as a life peer after leaving the Commons.

Denis Healey dies.