John Major

Sir John Major, born on March 29, 1943, in St Helier, Surrey, entered politics after an early career in banking. Leaving school before the age of 16, Major worked as an insurance clerk and later in banking, studying for a banking qualification via correspondence. His political journey began in 1959 when he joined the Young Conservatives in Brixton, becoming an active member and successfully campaigning for a seat on Lambeth London Borough Council in 1968. During his time on the council, he focused on housing matters, overseeing the construction of council estates and promoting transparency through public meetings with residents. Despite losing his council seat in 1971, Major continued to pursue his political ambitions, eventually securing selection as the Conservative candidate for Huntingdonshire, a safe Conservative seat, in December 1976. This early period, marked by a blend of private sector work and local political engagement, laid the foundation for his rapid ascent in national politics.

Major’s parliamentary career began with his election as a Member of Parliament for Huntingdon in the 1979 general election. His progression was swift, earning him junior government positions, including Parliamentary Private Secretary and Assistant Whip. He entered the Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 1987, a role where he managed departmental budgets and played a significant part in reforms like the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990. In a surprising turn, he was appointed Foreign Secretary in July 1989, though his tenure was brief. Just three months later, he became Chancellor of the Exchequer following Nigel Lawson’s resignation, a critical position where he focused on inflation control and introduced measures such as the tax-exempt special savings account (TESSA). His work in these key ministerial roles positioned him as a prominent figure within the Conservative Party, setting the stage for his leadership.

In November 1990, John Major succeeded Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party, winning the leadership election. His premiership was characterized by addressing the early 1990s recession, withdrawing the pound from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism on Black Wednesday, and navigating internal party divisions over European policy. Despite these challenges, he led the Conservatives to an unexpected fourth consecutive electoral victory in 1992, securing over 14 million votes—a record for a British political party. Major played a crucial role in the Northern Ireland peace process and oversaw privatizations of railways and the coal industry. He faced significant challenges, including parliamentary scandals and declining popularity, leading to a landslide defeat in the 1997 general election. After stepping down as party leader, he continued to serve as an MP until 2001, dedicating his post-parliamentary life to writing, charity work, and business interests, and occasionally commenting on political developments as an elder statesman.