The results of the first election in 1974 were extraordinary. Not only was there a hung parliament, but for the second time since the war the party with most votes found itself the loser under the first-past-the-post system.
The Conservatives almost managed to hold on to power despite the hugely difficult conditions under which they fought the election. They polled 37.8% of the vote to Labourís 37.1%, Heath taking 297 seats to Wilsonís 301.
The Liberalsí share of the vote, 19.3%, saw them win just 14 seats - despite winning the support of over six million people.
The importance of this particular election - fought against the background of economic crisis - was reflected by the interest shown by the electorate as turnout rose to six points to 78.1%.
The nationalists in Scotland and Wales also made a clear breakthrough. The Scottish National Party won seven seats, while Plaid Cymru took two.
In a significant move for the Conservatives, in a situation where every seat counted, Heathís attempts to resolve the Troubles in Northern Ireland had led to the Unionist MPs being no longer willing to lend him their support.