John Major is 83 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 29 March 1943.
British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister
Did you know?He is the only UK prime minister in recent history to have not attended university, having left school with just three O-levels.
Quick facts
Date of birth29 March 1943
Age83
NationalityBritish
BirthplaceLondon, United Kingdom
Occupationpolitician, bank manager, autobiographer
Editor's Take:
John Major followed Margaret Thatcher with a quieter, more consensual style. He won the 1992 election against expectations. Months later the pound crashed out of the European exchange rate system. Splits over Europe and scandals then weakened his government. His work with Ireland on Northern Ireland laid groundwork for the later peace deal. History has judged him more kindly than voters did in 1997. He has since become a respected elder statesman. He often speaks out on Europe and on standards in public life.
Key Milestones
1979: Elected MP for Huntingdon
1990: Becomes Prime Minister
1992: Wins the general election
1993: Signs the Downing Street Declaration
Sir John Major (born 29 March 1943) is a British statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1990 to 1997. He previously held various Cabinet positions under Margaret Thatcher.
