| First Party | Second Party | Third Party | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 | |
| Leader | Willie Whitelaw | James Callaghan | David Steel |
| Party | Conservative | Labour | Liberal |
| Last Election | 341 | 247 | 32 |
| Seats Won | 321 | 289 | 17 |
| Seats Change | -20 | +42 | -15 |
| Percentage | 43.4% | 41.5% | 12.5% |
| Swing | +0.2% | +3.7% | -4.2% |
Background[]
Campaign[]
Results[]
Aftermath[]
The Conservatives were re-elected, but with only a majority of 3. In November 1981 the Conservatives lost their majority and had to rely on the support of several Liberal MP's led by Cyril Smith to remain in office. This support was brief and in January 1982 a vote of no confidence was passed, and the conservative government was deafeated in the subsequent general election.