Social Democrats' leader stepping down in Britain

June 14, 1983

Roy Jenkins announced he was stepping down as leader of Britain's newest political party, the Social Democrats. The party made a disappointing showing in the general election last week. Mr. Jenkins made clear he wanted David Owen, a former foreign secretary and cofounder of the party, to succeed him as leader.

Meanwhile, the Labor Party's deputy leader, Denis Healey, said he would not join the race to succeed Michael Foot as Britain's opposition leader.