Geoffrey Howe Biography

Birth of Geoffrey Howe

Elected Member of Parliament

Appointed Solicitor General

Appointed Minister of Trade & Industry

Reaches the 2nd ballot in the Conservative leadership contest

Geoffrey Howe presents the 1979 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1979 Budget under Geoffrey Howe sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

When the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) is set up in 1979, Britain declines to join

When the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) is set up in 1979 Britain declines to join

Appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer

Howe abolishes remaining exchange controls on the movement of capital.

Geoffrey Howe presents the 1980 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1980 Budget under Geoffrey Howe sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Keeps monetary targets central to the government's economic policy.

Defends anti-inflation strategy despite rising unemployment.

Delivers the 1980 Budget with tax rises and spending restraint.

Raises duties and prescription charges while announcing public spending savings of pounds 900 million.

Sets out the Medium Term Financial Strategy alongside the Budget.

Announces public spending savings during the March Budget.

Raises National Insurance contributions as part of fiscal policy.

Introduces extra North Sea oil taxation in the autumn statement.

Geoffrey Howe presents the 1981 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1981 Budget under Geoffrey Howe sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Geoffrey Howe presents the 1982 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1982 Budget under Geoffrey Howe sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Geoffrey Howe presents the 1983 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1983 Budget under Geoffrey Howe sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Tax allowances are raised by 14%, 1.75 million are taken out of income tax

Tax allowances are raised by 14%, 1.75 million are taken out of income tax

Costs Labours manifesto commitments as an additional œ36-43 billion per Parliament

Costs Labours manifesto commitments as an additional œ36-43 billion per Parliament

Appointed Foreign Minister

Howe & Thatcher sign the Joint Declaration handover to China by 1st July 1997

Howe & Thatcher sign the Joint Declaration handover to China by 1st July 1997

Announces to the United Nations General Assy Britain will raise EC sanctions against South Africa

Lawson & Howe force Thatcher into joining the ERM

Says Hong kong residents have no automatic right to live in the UK

Appointed Leader of the House of Commons

Appointed Lord President of the Council

Britain and Argentina agree to restore consular relations.

Appointed Deputy Prime Minister to Margaret Thatcher

Resigns from the Government over differences with Margaret Thatcher over the EC

Resigns and criticises Thatcher's European policy, weakening her leadership.