In history: Thatcher becomes 1st British female PM

In 1979, Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher was chosen to become Britain's first female prime minister as the Tories ousted the incumbent Labor government in parliamentary elections.

The United Kingdom general election of 1979 was held on May 3, 1979 to elect 635 members to the British House of Commons.

The Conservative Party, led by Margaret Thatcher ousted the incumbent Labour government of James Callaghan with a parliamentary majority of 44 seats.

The election was the first of four consecutive election victories for the Conservative Party, and Thatcher became the United Kingdom's and Europe's first female elected head of government.