In July 1965 , he stood in the first - ever party leadership election .
In July 1965 , he came a distant third to Edward Heath , obtaining only 15 votes , just below the result Hugh Fraser would gain in the 1975 contest .
In July 1965 , he stood in the first - ever party leadership election but came a distant third to Edward Heath , obtaining only 15 votes , just below the result Hugh Fraser would gain in the 1975 contest .