Births on March 29

John Major, English banker and politician, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Sir John Major, born on 29 March 1943, stands as a significant figure in modern British political history, best known for his tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1990 to 1997. His parliamentary career also saw him represent Huntingdon, previously Huntingdonshire, as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1979 until his retirement in 2001. Before reaching the pinnacle of British politics, Major held the influential post of Chancellor of the Exchequer in Margaret Thatcher’s third government, a role that positioned him perfectly for the leadership challenge that lay ahead.

Early Life and Path to Politics

John Major's journey to 10 Downing Street began in St Helier, London, far from the traditional elite backgrounds of many of his predecessors. His early life was marked by a determination to succeed despite facing economic challenges. Leaving school in 1959 with three O-levels, Major embarked on a diverse array of jobs, enduring a period of unemployment before establishing a successful career at Standard Bank. This firsthand experience of economic hardship and varied work would later shape his perspective as a national leader. His political aspirations first materialised when he was elected as a Conservative councillor on the Lambeth London Borough Council, honing his political skills at the local level. His ambition then led him to the national stage, becoming an MP in the momentous 1979 general election, which saw the Conservative Party, under Margaret Thatcher, sweep back into power, beginning 18 years of continuous Tory rule.

The Rise Through Thatcher's Ranks

In the initial years of Thatcher's government, John Major steadily climbed the political ladder, occupying several junior government positions. These included roles as a Parliamentary Private Secretary and an assistant whip, allowing him to gain invaluable insight into the machinery of government. His dedication and competence did not go unnoticed, and after the 1987 election, Thatcher promoted him to the prestigious Cabinet, appointing him Chief Secretary to the Treasury. This marked a significant turning point, placing him at the heart of economic policy. His rapid ascent continued, leading to his appointment as Foreign Secretary in July 1989, a role that thrust him onto the international stage. Just three months later, demonstrating immense trust and his growing influence, he was promoted once again to become Chancellor of the Exchequer, the second-most powerful position in the government, responsible for the nation's finances.

The Premiership: Navigating a Tumultuous Era

The political landscape dramatically shifted in November 1990 when Margaret Thatcher resigned as Prime Minister following a challenge to her leadership. John Major, initially considered an outsider, entered the second stage of the Conservative Party leadership contest to replace her. Against the odds, he emerged victorious, assuming the premiership on 28 November 1990. Major quickly demonstrated his electoral prowess, leading the Conservative Party to a remarkable fourth consecutive electoral victory at the 1992 general election. Securing over 14 million votes, this remains a record for any British political party, underscoring his broad appeal at the time.

Key Policies and Challenges During His Time in Office

As Prime Minister, John Major's time in office was characterised by a blend of continuity from the Thatcher era and a distinctive, more consensual approach. He introduced the Citizen's Charter, an initiative aimed at improving public services and accountability. One of his immediate and impactful decisions was to scrap the deeply unpopular Poll Tax, replacing it with the more widely accepted Council Tax, a move that undoubtedly helped stabilise the Conservative government. On the international front, he committed British troops to the Gulf War, demonstrating the UK's role on the global stage. Domestically and internationally, his leadership was crucial during the negotiations over the Maastricht Treaty of the European Union, a pivotal moment in European integration that sparked significant debate and division within his party and the country. His government navigated the early 1990s economic crisis, though it was famously marred by Black Wednesday in September 1992, when the pound was dramatically withdrawn from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, a day that severely impacted economic confidence and his government's credibility. Despite these challenges, Major promoted a socially conservative "back to basics" campaign and enacted further reforms to education and criminal justice. He continued the Conservative tradition of privatisation, extending it to the railways and coal industry. Perhaps one of his most enduring legacies was the significant steps he took to encourage peace in Northern Ireland, laying crucial groundwork for future agreements.

The Decline of a Government and Post-Political Life

Despite his initial electoral success, Major's government faced increasing headwinds. Internal divisions within the Conservative Party, primarily over the European Union, became a persistent and debilitating issue. Furthermore, a series of scandals involving Conservative MPs, widely labelled as "sleaze," eroded public trust. Questions about his government's economic credibility, particularly in the aftermath of Black Wednesday, also contributed to a significant decline in public approval. These factors prompted Major to resign as party leader in June 1995, seeking a fresh mandate. He was comfortably re-elected in the subsequent leadership contest, a move designed to reassert his authority. However, public opinion of his leadership remained poor, both before and after this challenge. By December 1996, the government had lost its majority in the House of Commons due to a combination of by-election defeats and an MP crossing the floor, leaving it vulnerable. The 1997 general election delivered a crushing defeat to the Conservative Party at the hands of Tony Blair's Labour Party, one of the largest electoral defeats in modern British history, effectively ending 18 years of Conservative rule. John Major subsequently resigned as Conservative Leader, succeeded by William Hague. Retiring as an MP in 2001, Major has since pursued interests in business and charity, making only infrequent, yet often significant, political interventions, remaining a respected, if sometimes overlooked, voice in national discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sir John Major

Who is Sir John Major?

Sir John Major is a distinguished British former politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1990 to 1997. He was also an MP for Huntingdon from 1979 to 2001 and held key ministerial roles like Chancellor of the Exchequer before becoming Prime Minister.

When was John Major Prime Minister?

He served as Prime Minister from 28 November 1990 to 2 May 1997.

What were some of John Major's major policies or achievements?

Key policies and achievements included creating the Citizen's Charter, replacing the Poll Tax with the Council Tax, committing British troops to the Gulf War, leading UK negotiations on the Maastricht Treaty, and taking significant steps towards peace in Northern Ireland. He also oversaw privatisation of railways and the coal industry.

What is "Black Wednesday" in relation to John Major's premiership?

Black Wednesday refers to 16 September 1992, when the British government was forced to withdraw the pound from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) after failing to maintain its value, a significant blow to the government's economic credibility.

Why did John Major's government lose power in 1997?

Major's government faced several challenges, including deep internal divisions over the European Union, a series of scandals (known as "sleaze") involving Conservative MPs, and lingering questions about the government's economic management, particularly after Black Wednesday. These factors contributed to a massive defeat by the Labour Party in the 1997 general election.