 He was re-elected at the 1964 general election with a majority of only 723 votes.He held his seat at the 1966 election with an increased majority of 2,464, but at the 1970 general election he lost his seat to the Conservative Charles Simeons.On 21 April 1978, he was made a life peer as Baron Howie of Troon, of Troon in the District of Kyle and Carrick.