Party leader from 1963, prime minister 1964-70 and 1974-76. His premiership was dominated by the issue of UK admission to membership of the European Community, the social contract (unofficial agreement with the trade unions), and economic difficulties. Wilson, born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was president of the Board of Trade 1947-51(when he resigned because of social service cuts). In 1963 he succeeded Hugh Gaitskell as Labour leader and became prime minister the following year. He formed a minority government Feb 1974 and achieved a majority of three Oct 1974. He resigned 1976 and was succeeded by James Callaghan. He was knighted 1976 and made a peer 1983.
