Harold Wilson vs Edward Heath on the 12 Axes
Harold Wilson and Edward Heath alternated as British prime ministers between 1964 and 1976. Both lean toward Cooperation abroad, but they differ on Ownership, Welfare and Morality, with Wilson leaning Public, Shared and Progressive and Heath sitting closer to the middle.
- Security
Harold Wilson leans Liberty (-30), Edward Heath leans Order (+35): 65 points apart.
- Morality
Harold Wilson leans Progressive (-50), Edward Heath leans Traditional (+10): 60 points apart.
- Ownership
Harold Wilson leans Public (-35), Edward Heath leans Private (+20): 55 points apart.
- Welfare
Harold Wilson leans Shared (-55), Edward Heath leans centre (0): 55 points apart.
- Culture
Both lean centre: 0 and -15.
- Foreign policy
Both lean Cooperation: -25 and -40.
- Structure
Both lean Central: 0 and +20.
All 12 axes, side by side
| Axis | Harold Wilson | Edward Heath | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| OwnershipPublic to Private | -35 | +20 | 55 |
| MarketsPlanned to Free | -45 | +5 | 50 |
| WelfareShared to Self-reliant | -55 | 0 | 55 |
| AuthorityDemocratic to Strong leader | -40 | -15 | 25 |
| SecurityLiberty to Order | -30 | +35 | 65 |
| StructureLocal to Central | 0 | +20 | 20 |
| MoralityProgressive to Traditional | -50 | +10 | 60 |
| ReligionSecular to Religious | -5 | No record | - |
| TechnologyEmbrace to Caution | -60 | No record | - |
| CultureMulticultural to National identity | 0 | -15 | 15 |
| TradeGlobal to Protected | -15 | -45 | 30 |
| Foreign policyCooperation to Strength | -25 | -40 | 15 |
Scores run from -100 to +100 and come from each profile's documented positions. Closeness compares only the axes both have on record. It measures similar positions, not endorsement. How profiles work
Closer to Harold Wilson or Edward Heath?
Take the 12 Axes test and see your match with both, axis by axis.
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How similar are Harold Wilson and Edward Heath?
On the 10 axes where both have a documented position, their profiles are 78% close on the 12 Axes scale. They differ most on Security, Morality, Ownership, Welfare.
Who is more economically left-wing, Harold Wilson or Edward Heath?
Harold Wilson sits further toward the collective end of the Economy family (ownership, markets and welfare), by 53 points on average.
Who favours more personal liberty, Harold Wilson or Edward Heath?
On the State family (authority, security and structure), Harold Wilson leans further toward liberty and checks on power, by 37 points on average.