What Is 35th Parliament of the United Kingdom

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 35th Parliament of the United Kingdom convened on 13 May 1970 following the general election held on 18 June 1970, lasting until 8 February 1974. It was controlled by the Conservative Party under Prime Minister Edward Heath, with a House of Commons majority of 30 seats.

Key Facts

The 35th Parliament began on 13 May 1970 after the Conservative victory in the 18 June 1970 general election
Conservative Party leader Edward Heath became Prime Minister, ending Labour's 1964–1970 rule
The House of Commons had 630 seats, with Conservatives winning 330, Labour 287, and others 13
Key legislation included the Industrial Relations Act 1971 and the accession to the European Economic Community in 1973
The Parliament dissolved on 8 February 1974, leading to a hung parliament in the February 1974 election

Overview

The 35th Parliament of the United Kingdom was a pivotal legislative session that followed the Conservative Party's surprise victory in the 1970 general election. Led by Prime Minister Edward Heath, it marked a shift from Labour’s reformist agenda to a more market-oriented approach amid economic turbulence.

This Parliament operated during a period of industrial unrest, rising inflation, and significant constitutional developments, including the UK’s entry into the European Economic Community. Its term was defined by ambitious reforms, strained labor relations, and ultimately, political instability that led to its early dissolution.

Conservative Party won 330 of 630 seats in the 18 June 1970 election, securing a narrow majority of 30 seats.
The Parliament officially opened on 13 May 1970, following the general election, and lasted until its dissolution on 8 February 1974.
Edward Heath served as Prime Minister throughout this Parliament, leading a government focused on economic modernization and European integration.
The Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson, formed the official opposition with 287 seats, maintaining strong support in industrial regions.
Minor parties and independents held 13 seats, including the Liberals, Scottish and Welsh nationalists, and Northern Irish representatives.

How It Works

The functioning of the 35th Parliament followed standard Westminster procedures, with the monarch formally opening sessions and the Prime Minister leading the executive agenda.

Term: The Parliament ran from 13 May 1970 to 8 February 1974, lasting just under four years. It was dissolved ahead of a snap general election due to economic and political crises.
Legislative Agenda: The government prioritized industrial reform, including the Industrial Relations Act 1971, which sought to regulate trade unions but triggered widespread strikes.
European Accession: A landmark achievement was the UK’s formal entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) on 1 January 1973, following ratification by Parliament.
Economic Policy: Facing inflation above 9% and balance-of-payments issues, the government initially pursued liberal reforms before shifting to state intervention during the oil crisis.
Devolution Debates: The Parliament saw early discussions on Scottish and Welsh devolution, though no legislation was passed during this term.
Electoral System: The UK used a first-past-the-post system in 630 constituencies, contributing to the Conservatives’ majority despite receiving only 46.4% of the vote.
House of Lords: The unelected upper chamber reviewed legislation, including contentious bills like the Industrial Relations Act, but could not permanently block Commons-passed laws.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 35th Parliament with the preceding and following sessions:

Parliament	Start Date	End Date	Governing Party	Majority
34th (1966–1970)	23 June 1966	29 May 1970	Labour	98 seats
35th (1970–1974)	13 May 1970	8 February 1974	Conservative	30 seats
36th (Feb–Oct 1974)	4 March 1974	20 September 1974	Labour	Hung Parliament
33rd (1964–1966)	15 October 1964	29 May 1966	Labour	4 seats
37th (1974–1979)	25 October 1974	7 April 1979	Labour	3 seats (after 1976)

This table highlights how the 35th Parliament followed a period of strong Labour control and preceded a time of political fragmentation. The narrowing of majorities reflects growing voter volatility and the decline of two-party dominance in British politics during the 1970s.

Why It Matters

The 35th Parliament had lasting implications for UK governance, economic policy, and European relations. Its legacy includes both ambitious reforms and cautionary tales about managing industrial and economic challenges.

The Industrial Relations Act 1971 attempted to regulate unions but led to major strikes, undermining government authority and contributing to its 1974 defeat.
UK accession to the EEC in 1973 reshaped foreign policy and trade, setting a precedent for decades of European integration until Brexit.
The government’s U-turn on economic policy—from free-market reforms to state intervention—highlighted the difficulty of implementing ideological agendas amid global shocks.
Widespread industrial unrest, including coal strikes, foreshadowed the “Winter of Discontent” and future labor-government tensions.
The narrow Conservative majority limited legislative stability, demonstrating how slim majorities can lead to short-lived governments.
This Parliament set the stage for the hung parliament of February 1974, marking the beginning of a more fragmented political era in the UK.

Ultimately, the 35th Parliament serves as a critical case study in the challenges of governance during economic uncertainty and societal change.