 In the Labour Government of 1974–1979 he returned to the Cabinet, initially as Secretary of State for Industry, and subsequently Secretary of State for Energy.He retained that post when James Callaghan succeeded Wilson as Prime Minister.When the Labour Party was in opposition through the 1980s, he emerged as a prominent figure on the left-wing of the party, and the term "Bennite" came into usage as someone associated with left-wing politics.