John Major Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1347 GMT (2147 HKT) March 16, 2021

Sir John Major arrives at a Service of Thanksgiving for Dame Joan Sutherland on February 15, 2011, in London, England.
Sir John Major arrives at a Service of Thanksgiving for Dame Joan Sutherland on February 15, 2011, in London, England.

(CNN)Here's a look at the life of Sir John Major, former prime minister of the United Kingdom.

Personal

Birth date: March 29, 1943
    Birth place: Carshalton, Surrey
      Birth name: John Major
      Read More
      Father: Abraham Thomas Ball, stage name - Tom Major, performer
      Mother: Gwen (Coates) Major, dancer
      Marriage: Norma (Johnson) Major (1970-present)
      Children: James and Elizabeth

      Other Facts

      Left school at age 16.
      Worked at a bank prior to entering politics.
      Was appointed financial guardian of Prince William and Prince Harry after Princess Diana's death.

      Timeline

      1968-1971 - Member of the Lambeth Borough Council.
      1974 - Unsuccessfully runs for a seat in parliament.
      1979 - Wins a seat in parliament, representing Huntingdonshire.
      1983 - Becomes assistant government whip.
      1984 - Becomes treasury whip.
      1985-1986 - Serves as undersecretary state for social security.
      1986 - Is appointed minister of state for social security.
      1987-1989 - Serves as chief secretary to the Treasury.
      July 1989 - Is appointed foreign secretary.
      October 1989 - Is appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer.
      November 28, 1990 - Becomes prime minister of the United Kingdom.
      1990-1997 - Serves as prime minister of the United Kingdom.
      June 1995 - Resigns as the head of the Conservative Party and calls for a parliamentary election to establish leadership of the party. He wins the election.