Born in 1943, John Major spent much of his childhood in Brixton, South London. Despite his humble beginnings, Major went on to become one of the most influential political figures in British history, serving as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997.

Major’s interest in politics was sparked at an early age, when he started attending the Conservative Party conferences with his father. He left school at 16 to work as an insurance clerk, but his passion for politics never waned. At the age of 21, he became a local councilor for Lambeth, a position he held for 14 years.

Major’s big break came when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdon in 1979. He quickly climbed the ranks within the Conservative Party, holding various ministerial positions before being appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1989 under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

When Thatcher resigned in 1990, Major was seen as a surprise choice to succeed her. Despite having a reputation as a loyalist, he was not well-known outside of political circles and many doubted his leadership abilities. However, Major proved his critics wrong and went on to win the 1992 General Election with a majority of 21 seats.

Major’s time in office was marked by both successes and challenges. He oversaw the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, which led to closer European integration and the creation of the European Union. He also played a crucial role in the Northern Ireland peace process, leading to the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

However, Major also faced significant challenges during his time as Prime Minister. One of the most notable was the recession of the early 1990s, which left millions of people unemployed and struggling with high interest rates. Major’s government faced criticism for its handling of the economy, but he stuck to his conservative principles and worked to reduce government spending and decrease taxes.

Perhaps one of the most memorable moments of Major’s premiership was the personal scandal that erupted within his party in 1994. Several high-ranking Conservative MPs were caught having affairs, including Major’s own Secretary of State for Wales. The controversy tarnished Major’s reputation and led to increased opposition within his own party.

Despite these challenges, Major remained committed to his role as Prime Minister and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the British people. He introduced the Citizen’s Charter, which aimed to improve the efficiency and quality of public services, and oversaw significant reforms in education and healthcare.

In 1997, Major’s time in office came to an end as the Conservative Party suffered a landslide defeat to Tony Blair’s Labour Party. Major stepped down as leader of the Conservative Party and focused on rebuilding his career as a private citizen.

Since leaving office, Major has remained active in political and charitable causes. He has written four books, including his autobiography “John Major: The Autobiography” and has become a respected voice in British politics, often speaking out on issues such as Brexit and the UK’s relationship with the European Union.

John Major’s rise from humble beginnings to Prime Minister is a testament to his determination and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges during his time in office, he remained a dedicated leader who always put the interests of the country first. His legacy continues to impact British politics and his life serves as an inspiration to many aspiring political leaders.