John Roy Major Biography

Enters Cheam Common Junior School

Enters Rutlish Grammar School

Appointed Member of Brixton Young Conservatives

Elected Member of Lambeth Council, Ferndale ward

Appointed Vice Chair of Housing, Lambeth Council

Appointed Chairman of Housing, Lambeth Council

Marries Norma Johnson

Elected Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, majority of 21,563

Makes maiden speech in the House of Commons

Appointed Assistant Whip

Elected Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, majority 20,348

Appointed Lord Commissioner

Appointed Treasury Whip

Appointed Minister of Social Security

Appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Elected Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, majority 27,044

Appointed Privy Councillor

Major & Hurd convince the Cabinet to sign Britain up to the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) guaranteeing that the the pound and other member currencies do not fluctuate by more than 6%

Lawson & Walters' clash over the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) leads to Lawson's resignation & Major's appointment as Chancellor

Major & Hurd convince the Cabinet to sign Britain up to the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) guaranteeing that the the pound and other member currencies do not fluctuate by more than 6%

John Major meets Qian Qichen to discuss the handover of Hong Kong to China

Iran breaks off diplomatic relations with Britain

The PM supports Majors advice not to sell BA Hawks to Iraq

Opposes proposals for a single currency & a central bank for the EU

Opposes proposals for a single currency & a central bank for the EU

Appointed Foreign Secretary

Attends the United Nations General Assembly Conference

Attends the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, opposes South African sanctions

Attends the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, opposes South African sanctions

Major & Hurd convince the Cabinet to sign Britain up to the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) effectively guaranteeing that the British Government would follow a policy preventing the pound and other member currencies from fluctuating by more than 6%

Major & Hurd convince the Cabinet to sign Britain up to the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) effectively guaranteeing that the British Government would follow a policy preventing the pound and other member currencies from fluctuating by more than 6%

Opposes sanctions against South Africa

Drafts Britains opposition to sanctions against South Africa

Appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer

Thatcher informs Major in private that Lawson is going to resign

John Roy Major presents the 1990 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1990 Budget under John Roy Major sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Appointed Leader of the Conservative Party

The Electricity Distribution Companies are sold for œ5,092 million. National Power & Power Gen are sold for œ2,230 million

Major inherits the Trident programme after becoming Prime Minister

Delivers the budget in the House of Commons

Announces intention to stand in the 2nd round of the Party leadership ballot

Wins the Party leadership election, Major 185 votes, Heseltine 131 & Hurd 56

Receives 185 votes in the second ballot; after Heseltine and Hurd withdraw, Major becomes Conservative Party leader.

Appointed Party Leader of the Conservative Party

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 2nd term

Asked by the Queen to form a Government

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 1st term

The 2 halves of the Channel tunnel are joined

Electricity privatization is launched

Criminal Justice Act 1991 reforms sentencing and criminal justice administration

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 restricts specified dog types and creates offences for dangerous dogs

Scottish Power & Scottish Hydro Electricare sold for 2,880 million pounds

War Crimes Act 1991 gives United Kingdom courts jurisdiction over certain Second World War crimes

Maintains Britain's commitment to the coalition campaign.

Major commits British air, naval and ground forces to the coalition offensive.

Major confirms British participation as coalition air operations begin against Iraqi forces.

IRA mortar bombs cause damage at 10 Downing St where a Cabinet meeting is in progress

IRA mortar bombs cause damage at 10 Downing St where a Cabinet meeting is in progress

Government record concerning the IRA: IRA mortar bombs cause damage at 10 Downing St where a Cabinet meeting is in progress

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: IRA mortar bombs cause damage at 10 Downing St where a Cabinet meeting is in progress

IRA context for John Roy Major: IRA mortar bombs cause damage at 10 Downing St where a Cabinet meeting is in progress

Confirms British offensive combat has ended.

Unveils the Citizens Charter to improve standards of public services

The Budget increase VAT to 17.5% to finance cuts in poll tax

The House of Lords rejects the War Crimes Bill for the 2nd time

The Government uses the Parliament Act to pass the War Crimes Bill

The Government uses the Parliament Act to pass the War Crimes Bill

Represents Great Britain during the Luxembourg summit's review of negotiations that will culminate at Maastricht.

Launches the Citizens Charter

The Commonwealth Conference makes the Harare Declaration on good Government. Attends the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Attends the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

The Commonwealth Conference makes the Harare Declaration on good Government

Major says Britain will keep Trident

Major says Britain will keep Trident as its independent nuclear deterrent

Secures opt-outs from the single currency and the Social Protocol.

Negotiates Britain's position during the decisive European Council.

Secures British opt-outs from the third stage of monetary union and the Agreement on Social Policy.

Charities Act 1992 reforms charity fundraising and charity regulation

The Conservative Party win 41.9% of votes cast & 336 MPs, a majority of 21

Further and Higher Education Act 1992 reforms further education and creates a new higher education framework

During John Roy Major's government, laser surgery is performed on babies in the womb at King's College Hospital to treat twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: Laser surgery is performed on babies in the womb at King's College Hospital to treat twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

This NHS development occurs while John Roy Major serves as Prime Minister: Laser surgery is performed on babies in the womb at King's College Hospital to treat twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

During John Roy Major's government, the Hib vaccine is introduced into the vaccination programme to protect against a cause of childhood meningitis.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: The Hib vaccine is introduced into the vaccination programme to protect against a cause of childhood meningitis.

This NHS development occurs while John Roy Major serves as Prime Minister: The Hib vaccine is introduced into the vaccination programme to protect against a cause of childhood meningitis.

Trade Union and Labour Relations Consolidation Act 1992 consolidates trade union and labour relations law

A 5 pound bomb explodes in Whitehall

Announces the date of the general election

Elected Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, majority 36,230

The Government majority is cut to 21. Conservatives 336, Labour 271, Liberal democrats 20 & others 24

Major's election victory maintains Government commitment to bringing Trident into service

Heads the conference of conflict in former Yugoslavia

Hosts international negotiations seeking to contain the Bosnian conflict.

Major keeps his economic team unchanged for seven months after Black Wednesday before he replaced Norman Lamont with Kenneth Clarke as Chancellor of the Exchequer

The British Conservative Government is forced to withdraw the pound sterling from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) after it was unable to keep the pound above its agreed lower limit in the ERM.

The UK Treasury estimates the cost of Black Wednesday at 3. 4 billion pounds.

The United Kingdom is forced to leave the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) on "Black Wednesday" just five months into the new Parliament, when billions of pounds were spent in a futile attempt to defend the currencys value.

The UKs forced withdrawal from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) is succeeded by a partial economic recovery with a new policy of flexible exchange rates, allowing lower interest rates and devaluation - increased demand for UK goods in export markets

The Government announces a rise in the base interest rate from an already high 10 to 12 percent in order to tempt speculators to buy pounds, despite this and a promise later the same day to raise base rates again to 15 percent, dealers keep selling

Suspends Britains membership of the ERM.

The United Kingdom is forced to leave the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) on "Black Wednesday" just five months into the new Parliament, when billions of pounds were spent in a futile attempt to defend the currencys value.

This record states: The UKs forced withdrawal from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) is succeeded by a partial economic recovery with a new policy of flexible exchange rates, allowing lower interest rates and.

This record states: devaluation - increased demand for UK goods in export markets.

The Government announces a rise in the base interest rate from an already high 10 to 12 percent in order to tempt speculators to buy pounds, despite this and a promise later the same day to raise base rates again to 15 percent, dealers keep selling

Attends the 50th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein.

Annual Conservative Party Conference, Thatcher & Tebbit oppose the Maastricht Treaty

Wins the Commons paving motion that allows the Government to continue the Maastricht ratification process.

Chairs the EU summit. A European summit is held which discusses the Maastricht Treaty

Chairs the EU summit

Represents Britain as the Edinburgh European Council opens discussions on Maastricht ratification and the Danish settlement.

Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 expands leaseholder rights and urban development powers

Legislation is passed to nationalize the railways

National Lottery etc Act 1993 creates the National Lottery framework

Legislation is passed to nationalize the railways

Railways Act 1993 restructures British Rail and prepares railway privatisation

Government defeat means a report stage, Maastricht ratification is delayed

Refuses to pardon 1st World War servicemen executed for cowardice or desertion

The recession that had started just before Major came to office is declared over when the first quarter of the year had seen economic growth return for the first time since the second quarter of 1990

The IRA bomb Bishopsgate, 1 killed & 40 injured, 300 million pounds worth of damage

The IRA bomb Bishopsgate, 1 killed & 40 injured, 300 million pounds worth of damage

Government record concerning the IRA: The IRA bomb Bishopsgate, 1 killed & 40 injured, 300 million pounds worth of damage

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: The IRA bomb Bishopsgate, 1 killed & 40 injured, 300 million pounds worth of damage

IRA context for John Roy Major: The IRA bomb Bishopsgate, 1 killed & 40 injured, 300 million pounds worth of damage

Sees the European Communities Amendment Bill pass its Commons Third Reading with a majority of 180.

The Treaty of Maastricht recieves Royal Assent

Sees the European Communities Amendment Act receive Royal Assent, enabling British Maastricht ratification to proceed.

A tied vote of confidence in Parliament

Leads Britain when the United Kingdom formally notifies completion of Maastricht ratification.

Launches "Back to Basics" policy

Leads Britain when the Maastricht Treaty enters into force and the European Union is established.

Major & Reynolds agree an arrangement within which a united Ireland might be created

Major & Reynolds agree an arrangement within which a united Ireland might be created

Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 changes public order, trespass, protest, and criminal justice powers

Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 creates powers for deregulation and contracting out public functions

Railtrack is created as a monopoly owner of the railway infrastructure

During John Roy Major's government, the NHS Organ Donor Register is established for people wishing to donate organs.

The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: The NHS Organ Donor Register is established for people wishing to donate organs.

This NHS development occurs while John Roy Major serves as Prime Minister: The NHS Organ Donor Register is established for people wishing to donate organs.

Sunday Trading Act 1994 reforms Sunday shop opening law

The stock-market confirms German prestige car-maker BMW is buying the majority share - 80% - in Rover from British Aerospace (BAe) for 800 million pounds

There are angry clashes in the House of Commons over the sale of the last major british car manufacturer Rover

6 change portfolios, 4 are dismissed & 3 new members are appointed

The IRA announce a ceasefire

The IRA announce a ceasefire

Government record concerning the IRA: The IRA announce a ceasefire

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: The IRA announce a ceasefire

IRA context for John Roy Major: The IRA announce a ceasefire

Addresses the South African Parliament

Launches the National Lottery

Major threatens to resign if the European Finance Bill is not passed by the Commons

The European Finance Bill is passed

Government attempts to add VAT on fuel are defeated in the House of Commons

HMS Vanguard begins the first operational Trident deterrent patrol

The privatization of British Coal Corp is completed

Disability Discrimination Act 1995 creates disability discrimination rights and duties

Environment Act 1995 creates the Environment Agency and reforms environmental regulation

Pensions Act 1995 reforms occupational pensions and pension protection after the Maxwell scandal

Promises Britain will not back a proposed single EU currency before 1997

Promises Britain will not back a proposed single EU currency before 1997

Major & Bruton present a 37 page peace guide at a press conference in Belfast

Major & Bruton present a 37 page peace guide at a press conference in Belfast

Tells opponents in the Party to "shut up or put up" & is re-elected Party Leader

Resigns as Party Leader of the Conservative Party

Major defeats John Redwood by 218 votes to 89 in the Party leadership ballot

The full and formal agreement is signed by French President Jacques Chirac, US President Bill Clinton, UK Prime Minister John Major, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin

EU leaders announce the new currency will be called the Euro

Education Act 1996 consolidates education law

Employment Rights Act 1996 consolidates individual employment rights

The Trident submarine force expands as additional Vanguard class boats enter Royal Navy service

Housing Act 1996 reforms housing allocation, homelessness, and social rented housing rules

The IRA bombing of the Docklands ends their ceasefire

The IRA bombing of the Docklands ends their ceasefire

The IRA bombing of the Docklands ends their ceasefire

Government record concerning the IRA: The IRA bombing of the Docklands ends their ceasefire

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: The IRA bombing of the Docklands ends their ceasefire

IRA context for John Roy Major: The IRA bombing of the Docklands ends their ceasefire

Three people are feared dead & eight have been hurt after a bomb exploded on a double decker bus in the heart of London's West End. The explosion comes just nine days after the IRA ended its ceasefire with a bombing in the Docklands area of London, which killed two people

The explosion comes just nine days after the IRA ended its ceasefire with a bombing in the Docklands area of London, which killed two people

The explosion comes just nine days after the IRA ended its ceasefire with a bombing in the Docklands area of London, which killed two people

Government record concerning the IRA: Three people are feared dead & eight have been hurt after a bomb exploded on a double decker bus in the heart of London's West End. The explosion comes just nine days after the IRA ended its ceasefire with a bombing in the Docklands area of London, which killed two people

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: Three people are feared dead & eight have been hurt after a bomb exploded on a double decker bus in the heart of London's West End. The explosion comes just nine days after the IRA ended its ceasefire with a bombing in the Docklands area of London, which killed two people

IRA context for John Roy Major: Three people are feared dead & eight have been hurt after a bomb exploded on a double decker bus in the heart of London's West End. The explosion comes just nine days after the IRA ended its ceasefire with a bombing in the Docklands area of London, which killed two people

A statement in the Commons suggests BSE in cattle could be dangerous to human health

Announces a general election to be held 1st May

Granted the dissolution of Parliament

Announces resignation as Party Leader of the Conservative Party

The Conservatives win 30.7% of votes cast & 165 MPs

Elected Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, majority 18,140

Says the Scotland Bill will give Scotland representation in Scotland & Westminster

Says the Scotland Bill will give Scotland representation in Scotland & Westminster

Awarded the Companion of Honour by the Queen