Who Is John Major? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Major was born on March 29, 1943, making him 82 years old as of 2025. The former British politician served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1990 until 1997. A member of the Conservative Party, Major succeeded Margaret Thatcher and led the country through significant economic challenges and the peace process in Northern Ireland. Over the years, Major has transitioned from a front-row political figure to a respected elder statesman.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 29, 1943 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | St Helier, Surrey, England |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | England |
Popularity
John Major's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While John Major is not a celebrity fixated on his public image, reports indicate that he stands at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and has a weight of around 185 lbs (84 kg). His physique reflects a man who has remained relatively active throughout his life, though specific body measurements are not widely documented.
After Major became prime minister, it was misreported that his failure to get a job as a bus conductor resulted from his failing to pass a maths test; he had in fact passed all of the necessary tests but had been passed over owing to his height. In the meantime he studied for a qualification in banking via correspondence course.
Eventually in December 1962 he found a job working at the London Electricity Board (LEB) in Elephant and Castle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
John Major is known for his stable family life. He has been married to his wife, Norma Major, since 1970. Together, they have two children, a son named George Major and a daughter named Diana Major. As of 2025, there are no reports suggesting any romantic involvement outside of his marriage.
He was christened "John Roy Major" but only "John Major" was recorded on his birth certificate; he used his middle name until the early 1980s. His birth had been a difficult one, with his mother suffering from pleurisy and pneumonia and John requiring several blood transfusions due to an infection, causing permanent scarring to his ankles.
Net Worth and Salary
As a former Prime Minister and a prominent public figure, John Major has amassed a considerable net worth, currently estimated at around £20 million. His wealth derives from various sources, including political pensions, speaking engagements, and his work in consultancy. Major’s contributions to literature, particularly his memoirs, have also added to his earnings.
Whilst Chief Secretary Major took part in discussions over the future funding of the NHS, against the background of an NHS strike in February 1988 over pay, resulting in the 'Working for Patients' white paper and subsequent National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990.
Major also insisted, in discussions with Thatcher, that government assistance should be provided to support the sale of Short Brothers to Bombardier, an aerospace company and major employer in Northern Ireland which might otherwise have collapsed.
Career, Business and Investments
After his tenure as Prime Minister, Major continued to influence UK politics as a member of the House of Lords. He has taken on various roles, including serving on the boards of several multinational corporations. Additionally, Major is involved in numerous charities and foundations, aligning with his interest in public service and community development. He is regarded as a motivational speaker, sharing insights gained from his extensive political career with audiences worldwide.
Sir John Major (born 29 March 1943) is a British retired politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1990 to 1997. Following his defeat to Tony Blair's Labour Party in the 1997 general election, he became Leader of the Opposition, serving in this role from May to June 1997.
He previously held Cabinet positions under Margaret Thatcher, his last as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1989 to 1990. Major was Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdon, formerly Huntingdonshire, from 1979 to 2001.
Since stepping down as an MP in 2001, Major has focused on writing and his business, sporting, and charity work, and has occasionally commented on political developments in the role of an elder statesman.
Social Network
In today's digital age, John Major maintains a limited but active presence on social media platforms. His official Twitter account, @JohnMajorUK, shares his thoughts on current political events and reflects on his past experiences in government. Additionally, Major has a modest LinkedIn profile, where he engages with professionals in the sectors of governance and charity.
After Blair became prime minister, Major served as Leader of the Opposition for seven weeks while the leadership election to replace him took place. He formed a temporary shadow cabinet, and Major himself was shadow foreign secretary and shadow secretary of state for defence.
His resignation as Conservative leader formally took effect in June 1997 following the election of William Hague. Major remained in the House of Commons as a backbencher, regularly attending and contributing in debates, until he stood down at the 2001 election to focus on writing and his business, sporting and charity work.
Since leaving office, Major has tended to maintain a low profile in the media, occasionally making political interventions. He supported the unsuccessful Britain Stronger in Europe campaign for the UK to remain in the European Union, and has often criticised Brexit since the outcome of the 2016 referendum.
Major was appointed a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter (KG) in 2005 for services to politics and charity, and became a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1999 for his work on the Northern Ireland peace process.
Although public favourability of Major has improved since he left office, his premiership has generally been viewed as average in historical rankings and public opinion of British prime ministers. As of 2025, he is the oldest living former British prime minister.
Education
John Major's educational journey began at the Cheam School and continued at the London School of Economics where he studied for a brief period before entering politics. His early career started as a banker, but he soon ventured into the political arena, showcasing his leadership and negotiation skills as he rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party.
With a legacy that spans decades, John Major remains a significant figure in British history, reflecting on the past while engaging with the present. Whether in political circles or public speaking engagements, his voice still holds weight in contemporary discussions about governance, economy, and civil society.
Having left school just before his sixteenth birthday, Major worked as an insurance clerk, joined the Young Conservatives in 1959, and soon became a highly active member. He was elected to Lambeth London Borough Council in 1968 and a decade later to parliament, being elected as the Conservative MP for Huntingdonshire at the 1979 general election.
Major held several junior government positions under Thatcher from 1984 to 1987, including parliamentary private secretary and assistant whip. He served in Thatcher's third ministry as Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 1987 to 1989, Foreign Secretary in 1989, and Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1989 to 1990.
Following Thatcher's resignation in 1990, after a challenge was launched to her leadership, Major stood in the 1990 Conservative leadership election to replace her and emerged victorious, becoming prime minister.
