Election
Howes resignation speech during the leadership election criticizes Thatcher
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1990 in Great Britain — Page 3
Explore 222 historical events and records for Great Britain in 1990.
Historical records for Great Britain in 1990
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 40 of 222 unique records.
222Unique records
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24Named events on this page
18Named people on this page
3Places on this page
November
Resignation of Geoffrey Howe
Howes resignation speech during the leadership election criticizes Thatcher
Resignation Speech
On 13 November 1990, Howe delivers a resignation speech in the House of Commons criticising Margaret Thatcher's approach to Europe and intensifying pressure on her leadership.
Dissolution
Dissolves the SDP
Election
Announces his challenge for the leadership of the Conservative Party.
Election
In the first Conservative leadership ballot Thatcher receives 204 votes and Heseltine 152, forcing a second ballot under the party rules.
Election
Wins 204 votes to Michael Heseltine's 152 in the first leadership ballot but does not achieve the margin required to avoid a second ballot.
Election
Wins a majority of the party, over 187, but 4 short of stopping a 2nd ballot. Wins 204 votes to Michael Heseltines 152 in the party leadership election. Conservative leadership 1st ballot, Thatcher 204, Heseltine 152 & 16 abstentions
Election
Anounces live on TV she will go forward to the 2nd ballot
Prime Minister of Great Britain
Remains Prime Minister after the first ballot while the Conservative leadership contest proceeds to a second round.
Prime Minister of Great Britain
Wins 204 votes to Michael Heseltines 152 in the party leadership election
Britain at the European Core
Argues during the Conservative leadership contest that Britain should remain part of the core of European political and economic cooperation.
Election
Announces intention to stand in the 2nd round of the Party leadership ballot
Election
Announces she will not contest the 2nd ballot
Resignation of Margaret Hilda Thatcher
Announces her intention to resign
Resignation of Margaret Hilda Thatcher
Announces her resignation as Conservative leader and Prime Minister.
Election
In the second leadership ballot Major receives 185 votes, Heseltine 131 and Hurd 56; Heseltine and Hurd then withdraw.
Election
In the second leadership ballot John Major receives 185 votes, Michael Heseltine 131 and Douglas Hurd 56; Heseltine and Hurd subsequently withdraw.
Election
Receives 185 votes in the second ballot; after Heseltine and Hurd withdraw, Major becomes Conservative Party leader.
Election
Wins the Party leadership election, Major 185 votes, Heseltine 131 & Hurd 56
Party Leader
Appointed Party Leader of the Conservative Party
Prime Minister of Great Britain
Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 2nd term
Appointment
Appointed Secretary of State for Environment for a second term.
Chairman
Appointed Chairman of the Conservative Party
Government
Asked by the Queen to form a Government
Prime Minister
Becomes Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher resigns.
Prime Minister of Great Britain
Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 1st term
Resignation of Margaret Hilda Thatcher
Resigns as Prime Minister
Chancellor of the Exchequer
Appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer
Chief Secretary
Appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Chief Whip
Appointed Chief Whip
Foreign Secretary of Great Britain
Appointed Foreign Secretary
Home Secretary of Great Britain
Appointed Home Secretary
Minister of Duchy of Lancastr
Appointed Minister of the Duchy of Lancaster
Minister of Education
Appointed Minister of Education & Science
Minister of Energy
Appointed Minister of Energy
Minister of Scotlaand
Appointed Minister for Scotland
Minister of Trade & Industry
Appointed Minister of Trade & Industry
Minister of Transport
Appointed Minister of Transport
Secretary of State for Agriculture
Appointed Minister of Agriculture
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.