John Major stands as a significant figure in late 20th-century British politics, navigating the United Kingdom through a period of considerable change and challenge. Born in 1943 in Carshalton, Surrey, his upbringing in Brixton marked him apart from many of his predecessors and contemporaries in the upper echelons of the Conservative Party. Unlike numerous Prime Ministers who benefited from Oxbridge educations, Major left school at 16, a detail that underscores his ascent through political ranks driven by sheer determination and political acumen.
His early engagement with politics began in Brixton as an active member of the Young Conservatives. At just 21, John Major demonstrated his ambition by successfully contesting a seat on Lambeth Council, rapidly becoming chairman of the Housing Committee. This early foray into local politics provided him with invaluable experience and set the stage for his parliamentary aspirations. Undeterred by two unsuccessful attempts in 1974 to win the St Pancras constituency, Major’s persistence paid off in 1979 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Huntingdonshire.
Major’s career trajectory accelerated through the 1980s. He became a ministerial aide in 1981, steadily climbing the ranks to become a minister himself in 1985. His entry into the Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 1987 marked a turning point. In this role, John Major garnered respect for his fiscal conservatism and ability to control public spending. His competence led to further promotions, first to Foreign Secretary in 1989 and then swiftly to Chancellor of the Exchequer, positioning him as a key figure in Margaret Thatcher’s government.
Following Margaret Thatcher’s resignation, John Major assumed the premiership in 1990, inheriting a nation and party somewhat fractured by the divisive policies of the preceding decade. He aimed to unify both, presenting a more compassionate and approachable Conservatism. Early in his premiership, Major played a prominent role on the international stage, aligning with US President George H.W. Bush during the first Gulf War. Domestically, his resolve was tested when the IRA launched a mortar attack on Number 10 Downing Street during a Cabinet meeting, an event that underscored the security challenges of the time.
In 1992, John Major achieved a notable electoral victory, leading the Conservative Party to win the general election and securing the highest popular vote in the party’s history. However, this victory came with a reduced majority of 21 seats, which further dwindled due to subsequent by-election losses. His election success was partly attributed to his swift action in reversing the deeply unpopular poll tax, known as the Community Charge, a legacy issue from the Thatcher era.
Despite the electoral triumph, the parliament that followed presented significant hurdles. Just five months into his new term, John Major’s government was forced into a humiliating exit from the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM). This economic policy, designed to control inflation by pegging the pound to the Deutschmark, collapsed under market pressure, despite substantial government intervention. The ERM crisis damaged the government’s economic credibility and fueled internal dissent within the Conservative Party.
Europe became a persistent battleground within Major’s party. While he negotiated opt-outs from the Maastricht Treaty on social policy and the single currency, these concessions failed to appease the Eurosceptic wing of his party. Throughout his premiership, John Major faced relentless attacks from within his own ranks over European integration, significantly destabilizing his government and undermining his authority.
Adding to the political pressures, the Major government was plagued by scandals and allegations of “Tory sleaze,” involving infidelity and questionable moral conduct within the Cabinet and the wider party. These scandals eroded public trust and further damaged the government’s standing.
However, amidst these challenges, there were significant achievements. Following the ERM exit, the British economy began a period of sustained growth, marking the start of the longest period of continuous economic expansion in British history. Furthermore, John Major initiated a crucial engagement with the IRA, laying the groundwork for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Northern Ireland. His efforts in this area were instrumental in paving the way for the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, a landmark achievement in British and Irish history.
In conclusion, John Major’s premiership was a complex and eventful period in British politics. He navigated significant economic turmoil, intense internal party divisions, and social challenges, while also laying the foundations for long-term economic growth and playing a pivotal role in the Northern Ireland peace process. His legacy is viewed as multifaceted, marked by both considerable challenges and notable successes in steering Britain through a turbulent decade.
