description John Major Overview
John Major is a British Conservative politician who served as prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1990 to 1997, succeeding Margaret Thatcher. His government managed the United Kingdom's withdrawal of the pound sterling from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism in 1992 and later participated in the early stages of the Northern Ireland peace process. Major's premiership is also associated with a period of economic growth before the Conservatives lost the 1997 general election.
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When was John Major prime minister?
John Major served as prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1990 to 1997. He became Conservative leader and prime minister after Margaret Thatcher resigned in November 1990.
What happened to sterling under John Major in 1992?
The United Kingdom withdrew the pound sterling from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism on 16 September 1992, a day remembered as Black Wednesday. The event damaged the government's economic credibility even though it later helped monetary policy become more flexible.
Which party did John Major lead?
Major led the Conservative Party from 1990 until William Hague succeeded him after the 1997 general election. His government won the 1992 election but lost to Tony Blair's Labour Party in 1997.
What was John Major's government known for besides Black Wednesday?
His government worked through the Northern Ireland peace process and signed the 1993 Downing Street Declaration with Irish Taoiseach Albert Reynolds. It also continued Conservative economic reforms while managing divisions over Europe.
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