John Major

About John Major

The Conservative Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997. Major succeeded Margaret Thatcher after being unexpectedly chosen as her replacement. His government negotiated the Maastricht Treaty, creating the European Union. Major faced constant rebellion from Eurosceptic MPs in his own party. His government was plagued by scandals including MPs cash for questions and various sex affairs. Major won a surprise election victory in 1992 but was overwhelmingly defeated by Tony Blair in 1997. He was the son of a circus performer and former bus conductor, rising from modest beginnings to 10 Downing Street.