John Major: A Journey From Struggles To Prime Minister

John Major's life story is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in a humble setting, he faced significant challenges that shaped his character and his future in politics. Rising from a financially struggling family to become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Major's journey is not only inspiring but also a reflection of his commitment to public service. This biography takes you through John Major's early life, political career, and personal experiences that highlight his legacy.

Born on March 29, 1943, in St Helier, Carshalton, Surrey, London, England, Major's beginnings were far from glamorous. He left school at the young age of 15 due to his family's financial difficulties, joining the Young Conservatives at 16. Despite lacking an elite education, he defied the odds and became a prominent figure in the Conservative Party, ultimately succeeding Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister in November 1990. Major's leadership was marked by significant events, including the Gulf War and the negotiations around the UK's role in the European Union.

Major's personal life also played a key role in shaping his public persona. Married to Norma Johnson since 1970, they share two children, James and Elizabeth. His personal challenges, including a public affair and subsequent reconciliation with his wife, reveal a more human side to this political figure. As we delve deeper into Major's life, we will uncover the lessons learned and the principles that guided his political and personal decisions.

• Early Life and Career
• Political Career
• Years as Prime Minister
• Career After Serving as Prime Minister
• Personal Life
• John Major and 'The Crown'

Early Life and Career

John Major grew up in a family facing financial struggles. His father, Tom Major, was once a performer but later switched to running a garden ornament business. The family's financial difficulties forced them to sell their house and move to a smaller apartment in Brixton in 1955. Major attended Cheam Common Primary School and Rutlish Grammar School but felt out of place, leading him to leave school just before his 16th birthday.

After leaving school, Major faced a series of job rejections, including being turned down for a bus conductor position due to his height. In 1965, he found work as a bank clerk, which took him to Nigeria. A serious car accident in 1967 left him with a shattered kneecap, but he persevered, continuing to navigate his career while maintaining his political ambitions.

Political Career

Major's political career began when he joined the Young Conservatives at the age of 16. His first significant political victory came in May 1968, when he was elected to the Lambeth council. Despite two unsuccessful attempts to enter Parliament in Labour-dominated constituencies, he achieved success in 1979 by being elected to the House of Commons from Huntingdonshire.

In 1984, Major became Treasury whip, gaining the attention of then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who supported his rise through the ranks. By 1987, he was appointed chief secretary to the Treasury and later became Foreign Secretary. His political acumen eventually led him to the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer, setting the stage for his later position as Prime Minister.

Years as Prime Minister

John Major became Prime Minister on November 28, 1990, succeeding Margaret Thatcher after her resignation. His leadership during the Gulf War in 1991 garnered him praise, and he made significant decisions regarding the UK's stance on the European Union. One of his key achievements was negotiating a deal that allowed the UK to opt out of the shared currency.

However, Major's tenure was not without challenges. His government faced scandals involving Cabinet members, leading to the term "Tory sleaze." Despite these issues, he managed to secure a slim majority in the 1992 elections, but the economic recession ultimately led to his defeat in 1997 when the Labour Party, led by Tony Blair, won a landslide victory.

Career After Serving as Prime Minister

After leaving office, Major remained active in politics and business. While he resigned as the leader of the Conservative Party, he served as a parliament member until 2001. Post-retirement, Major transitioned to the business sector, taking roles on various boards and becoming head of European operations for the Carlyle Group.

In 2013, he expressed critical views on the influence of the wealthy and supported the legalization of gay marriage, reflecting his evolving perspectives. Major also played a role in the 2016 referendum regarding the UK's membership in the European Union as part of the "Remain" campaign.

Personal Life

John Major married Norma Johnson in 1970, and together they have two children, James and Elizabeth. Despite their seemingly stable family life, Major's personal challenges included a public affair with fellow politician Edwina Currie, which he later described as a source of deep shame.

Major's autobiography, published in 1999, provided insights into his life and career, further solidifying his legacy as a significant figure in British politics. He is also an avid cricket fan and has written a book about the sport, showcasing another facet of his interests beyond politics.

John Major and 'The Crown'

In popular culture, John Major is portrayed in the Netflix series "The Crown," where his character engages in discussions with Prince Charles about the potential abdication of Queen Elizabeth II. Major has publicly criticized the show's portrayal of events, calling it a "barrel-load of nonsense."

As we reflect on John Major's life and contributions, it becomes clear that his story is one of perseverance, complexity, and the enduring impact of his decisions on British society and politics.