wilhelm helms (19 december 1923 – 8 december 2019) was a german politician. he was a member of the bundestag from 1969 to 1972. helms was known for his 1972 party switch that threatened to collapse the government of chancellor willy brandt. from 1979 through 1984, helms was a member of the european parliament. helms was born in twistringen, lower saxony.