Sir John Major stands as a significant figure in late 20th-century British political history. Born in 1943 in Carshalton, Surrey, his upbringing in Brixton set him apart from many Prime Ministers of his era. Unlike his predecessors and successors from the period, Major did not attend university, leaving school at the age of 16. This unique background, however, did not hinder his rapid ascent in the Conservative Party and ultimately to the highest office in the UK.
Major’s political journey began early. He became deeply involved with the Young Conservatives in Brixton and demonstrated his ambition by standing for Lambeth Council at just 21 years old. His successful election to the council and subsequent chairmanship of the Housing Committee provided valuable early experience in local government and public service. He then set his sights on national politics, contesting parliamentary seats in St Pancras twice in 1974. Despite these initial setbacks, his persistence paid off when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Huntingdonshire in 1979.
His career progressed swiftly through the Conservative ranks. In 1981, he took on the role of ministerial aide, marking his move into government. By 1985, he had become a minister himself, further solidifying his position within the party. His entry into the Cabinet in 1987 as Chief Secretary to the Treasury proved pivotal. In this role, Sir John Major earned the respect of his colleagues for his fiscal discipline and effective management of public spending. His reputation for competence led to rapid promotions, first to Foreign Secretary in 1989 and then, shortly after, to Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The resignation of Margaret Thatcher paved the way for Sir John Major to become Prime Minister. Taking office in 1990, he inherited a nation marked by the divisions of the Thatcher years and aimed to foster a sense of national unity. Early in his premiership, he played a key role on the international stage, aligning with US President George H.W. Bush during the first Gulf War. Domestically, his leadership was tested when the IRA launched a mortar attack on Number 10 Downing Street during a Cabinet meeting, which he survived.
The 1992 general election saw Sir John Major lead the Conservative Party to victory, securing the highest number of popular votes in the party’s history. However, the victory resulted in a reduced majority of 21 seats, which further diminished through by-election defeats during that parliament. His election success was partly attributed to his swift action in reversing the unpopular poll tax, known as the Community Charge, introduced by the previous Thatcher government.
Despite the electoral triumph, Major’s second term as Prime Minister was fraught with challenges. Just months after the election, his government was forced to withdraw from the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM), a cornerstone of his economic policy designed to control inflation. Market pressures overwhelmed the UK’s efforts to maintain its ERM membership, despite billions spent attempting to stabilize the currency.
Simultaneously, deep divisions within the Conservative Party over Europe resurfaced and intensified. While Sir John Major negotiated opt-outs from the Maastricht Treaty on social policy and single currency membership, these concessions failed to appease the Eurosceptic wing of his party. Throughout his remaining time as Prime Minister, he faced persistent internal attacks regarding European policy, significantly destabilizing his government.
Adding to the political turmoil, Sir John Major’s government was plagued by a series of press scandals concerning infidelity and alleged misconduct within the Cabinet and the wider Conservative Party. The label “Tory sleaze” became firmly attached to his administration, eroding public trust and further damaging his government’s credibility.
However, amidst these difficulties, there were notable successes. The British economy experienced a significant recovery following the departure from the ERM, marking the beginning of a period of sustained economic growth. Furthermore, Sir 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. Sir John Major’s premiership, therefore, represents a complex and pivotal period in British politics, marked by both significant challenges and lasting achievements.
