On This Day

12 May 1976

Following the resignation of Jeremy Thorpe, Jo Grimond succeeds him as temporary leader of the Liberal Party

Grimond had previously led the party between 5th November 1956 and 17th January 1967. He remained as caretaker leader until the election of David Steel on 7th July, beating John Pardoe in the leadership election – the first and only contest held under a system of election by representatives of constituency associations.