John Major became prime minister in a difficult time for Britain. He became the one who replaced the Conservative leader, Margaret Thatcher.
In the article, in addition to information about John Major, it will be possible to learn about the modern political system of Great Britain, and more specifically about the parties in Great Britain.
Carier start
The future prime minister was born on May 29, 1943 in London. His father was a former circus performer who became a theater manager.
John Major was interested in political life from a young age. At the beginning of his journey he made speeches in one of the markets in Brixton, where an impromptu tribune was located. In 1964, a young man was elected to the council of one of the districts. He got the post of deputy chairman of one of the committees. In 1971, Major replaced the district and lost election to the council following the election results.
A significant role in the career of the future premiere was played by Gene Cyrens. The woman was thirteen years older than him. She became his mentor, and later his mistress. Thanks to her, Major became more ambitious, learned many political tricks. The relationship between John and Jean lasted from 1963-1968.
Prior to his election to Parliament, Major worked in the banking sector.
Work in Parliament
John Major tried to get into parliament in 1974, but failed. He was elected in the 1979 elections, in which he nominated from the Conservatives. He was supported by Huntingdonshire County. There he was re-elected in 1987, 1992, 1997.
Government Positions:
- Secretary of Parliament
- Deputy Minister of Social Affairs;
- Minister of Social Affairs;
- Deputy Minister of Finance;
- Foreign Secretary;
- Chancellor of the Exchequer.
In 1990, the conservatives were re-elected leader. Margaret Thatcher won the first round, but because of a possible split in the party, withdrew from the second round. John Major won the election, and was appointed prime minister on 11/27/1990.
Premiership
During his time as prime minister, Major had to face the following problems:
- the start of the Gulf War;
- acute situation in Northern Ireland;
- global economic downturn;
- "Black Wednesday" - the financial crisis due to currency speculation and the fall of the British pound.
Government work
The government of John Major worked from 1990 to 1997. During this time, representatives of parliament tried to resolve the situation in Northern Ireland. By the spring of 1992, negotiations began. They dragged on for many years, a lot of blood was spilled due to the activities of terrorist organizations. As a result, by 1996, negotiations had reached an impasse, drowning in procedural matters.
The government continued its privatization policy. Due to the closure of unprofitable coal mines, mass protests of miners began. By 1993, parliament gave the green light to the privatization of the railway.
Great difficulties arose in European politics.
According to some experts, John Major’s policy was indecisive. This was especially true of the issue of the withdrawal of the pound from the European monetary system. If the prime minister had withdrawn the pound at the start of the crisis, it would not have been necessary to waste billions of pounds.
No matter how other politicians acted against his actions, Major managed to stay as prime minister until the 1992 election campaign. Conservatives predicted a loss from the Labor Party. But the campaign led by the Conservative leader brought him victory. He again became prime minister.
He remained in office until the 1997 elections, in which the Conservatives were defeated by the Labor Party. The new Prime Minister was Tony Blair.
It so happened historically that in the UK the main parties were conservatives, liberals, and later Labor. Are there other parties in the country?
Modern party system
Throughout its history, the British party system has not undergone significant changes. However, over time, there have been more parties. Although the most popular and significant remain two of them. They are the ones who are fighting for the premiership.
The main parties of Great Britain:
The Liberal Democrats and PNSK are also considered quite large. About twenty parties are registered and active in the country. Some of them are represented in parliament.
Parties of Great Britain, whose representatives are elected to Parliament:
- Conservative - founded in 1870. Her ancestors were the Tories.
- PNSK (Independence Party of the United Kingdom) - the year of its foundation in 1993. The Union of Anti-Federalists became the progenitors. The party is in favor of leaving the European Union.
- Liberal - was founded in 1988 by the merger of liberals and social democrats.
- Labor - founded in 1900. Be in power from 1997 to this day.
- Scottish National - founded in 1928. Advocates for the independence of Scotland.
- Wales (Clyde Camry) - was founded in 1925. He advocates giving Wales self-government.
- Ulster Unionist Party - appeared in 1905.