David Owen Biography and Timeline

Member of Parliament

Elected Member of Parliament for Plymouth

Junior Minister

Appointed Junior Minister

Parliamentary Under Secretary

Appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary

Role range: 1974-1979 – 1974-1975

Privy Council

Appointed Member of Privy Council

Role range: 1974-1979

Foreign Secretary of Great Britain

Appointed Foreign Minister

Role range: 1974-1979 – 1977-1979

CLV

Helps found the Campaign for Labour Victory, begining of the SDP

Diplomatic Negotiations at London

Has talks in Madrid about the future of Gibraltar

Role range: 1974-1979 – 1977-1979

Independence of Great Britain

The Solomon Islands are granted independence after 85 years of British rule

Role range: 1974-1979 – 1977-1979

Independence of Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands are granted independence after 85 years of British rule

Role range: 1974-1979 – 1977-1979

Resignation of David Owen

Resigns from the Shadow Cabinet

SDP

One of the "Gang of Four", former Labour Minister's who found the SDP

Gang of Four

Helps found the SDP with Jenkins, Shirley Williams and Bill Rodgers.

Role range: 1981-1988

Election

The Liberal-SDP Alliance win 25% of the popular vote

Role range: 1983-1987

Party Leader

Appointed Party Leader of the SDP

Role range: 1983-1987

SDP Leadership

Succeeds Roy Jenkins as SDP leader after the general election.

Role range: 1983-1987

Conference of SDP

Opening day of the SDP Conference in Torquay

Role range: 1983-1987

Resignation of David Owen

Resigns as leader of the SDP after his Party votes to merge with the Liberal Party

Role range: 1983-1987

Election

The SDP-Liberal Alliance win 22.6% of the popular vote, 7% behind Labour

Role range: 1983-1987

Dissolution

Announces the dissolution of the SDP, continues as an Independent Social Democrat

Dissolution

Dissolves the SDP

Vance-Owen Peace Plan

Jointly develops the peace plan presented to the Bosnian parties.

Role range: 1992-1995