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He stood as the SNP candidate in the 1962 West Lothian by-election against Tam Dalyell polling very well and managing to some second in a seat where previously the SNP had made little impact. He became aware of the need for greater professionalism in the organisation of the SNP and diverted his attentions to this matter thereafter.

In 1969 he replaced Arthur Donaldson as SNP National Convenor, and it was during Wolfe's period as leader that the party had its greatest electoral success to the Westminster parliament, winning 11 seats in the October '74 General Election. It is also Wolfe that is credited with doing much to develop the SNP as a clearly defined left-of-centre political party.

In 1979 he stood down as SNP leader to be replaced by Gordon Wilson. He has remained active in the SNP as well as the Campaign for Nuclear DisarmamentIn British politics, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has been at the forefront of the peace movement in the United Kingdom and claims to be Europe's largest single-issue peace campaign. Its logo , designed in 1958 by Gerald Holtom, became widespread.

Wolfe wrote a book that was part autobiography, and part polemic entitled Scotland Lives: the Quest for Independence. It was published in 19711971 is a common year starting on Friday (click for link to calendar). Events January January 1 British divorce Reform Act comes into force January 2 66 die in stairway crush at Rangers v Celtic football match, Glasgow, Scotland. See Ibrox disaster. Janua.