 In December 1986, the new Leader of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy and incumbent Deputy Prime Minister Rudolf de Korte announced that he was stepping down as Leader in favor of Voorhoeve, who succeeded him on 15 December 1986.In the election of 1989, Voorhoeve was the "Lijsttrekker" (top candidate).The People's Party for Freedom and Democracy suffered a loss, losing 5 seats and had 22 seats in the House of Representatives.