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HISTORICAL FACTS: John major - The Untold Story

Prime ministers have always faced political scandals – so why can’t they weather them now?

UK prime ministers today are about as secure in their jobs as football managers. In the nearly three decades between 1979 and 2005, Britain had just three prime ministers: Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Tony Blair. From 2005-2015, we again had three: Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron.

The Conversation

Today, it fell to parliament to hold Keir Starmer to account for the Mandelson scandal. It largely failed

On these occasions, MPs have a solemn duty to reflect the public’s anger and need for answers. A pity that so few seem able to fulfil it, says political commentator Toby Helm

The Guardian - UK

This Week in History: Iran goes nuclear, Princess Diana’s historic handshake and the fall of Sicily’s godfather

Explore how major events between 6 and 12 April were captured on The Independent’s front pages

The Independent UK

From analysis to the latest developments in health,
read the most diverse news in one place.

Jess Cartner-Morley on fashion: there may be 50 shades, but there’s only one Correct Grey

The true quality of a fabric is revealed by a neutral tone – one that beautifully offsets the brighter tones of 2026. Just don’t mention John Major

The Guardian - UK

Dame Jenni Murray obituary

Fearless broadcaster who was the longest-serving presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour

The Guardian - UK

Northern Irish peace process given to British ‘on a plate’, Adams tells court

Gerry Adams is giving evidence in London as part of a High Court claim against him by three bomb victims.

Evening Standard

If Keir Starmer is ousted, Labour could still win the next election. Here’s how that would work

Once a PM is seen as hapless, there is no way back. But Labour has good plans – and with the political landscape fragmented, it could yet prevail, says Guardian columnist Larry Elliott

The Guardian - UK

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From Harold Wilson to Liz Truss – what the fates of former prime ministers can teach Keir Starmer

Despite his name – honouring Keir Hardie, the first leader of the Labour party – Keir Starmer is not known to be a student of political history. This apparent incuriosity helps define an indistinct political identity.

The Conversation

‘We thought Midnight Cowboy might end everybody’s career’: the diverse, disruptive, Oscar-winning cinema of John Schlesinger

In the 60s and 70s, he pioneered kitchen-sink drama and made bisexuality mainstream. So why did the director end up making Tory ads? Those who knew him best reveal all

The Guardian - UK

Starmer’s ‘put up or shut up’ message to his rivals is overshadowed by a new scandal

NEWS ANALYSIS: It was clear that, after the failed coup on Monday, Sir Keir needed to come out, face the public and issue a defiant message to show he will not back down. But news that his former communications chief has lost the Labour whip means any respite will be…

The Independent UK

Fact check: Defence spending fell below 3% of GDP in the 1990s

John Major’s government cut defence spending to below 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in in 1995, and it has not risen above that level since.

Evening Standard

Labour could oust Starmer, he could elegantly step aside – but without a plan, it will all be for nothing

For all the talk of coups, this much is clear: without a strong vision, Labour will face a fresh crisis of legitimacy, says Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK

Cabinet Office accused of covering up for royal family after blocking release of Andrew documents

Minutes of travel expenses of former Duke of York as UK trade envoy withheld from National Archives

The Guardian - UK

Cabinet Office accused of cover-up after release of official papers referring to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor blocked

‘Administrative error’ blamed after official papers referring to former prince were withheld from the National Archives

The Independent UK

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The Independent UK

No 10 forced to apologise over John Major’s ‘improper’ birthday message to Queen Mother, new files reveal

Despite the faux pas, the Queen Mother still telegrammed Mr Major and his wife to thank them

The Independent UK

No 10 apology over John Major’s birthday message to the Queen Mother

Newly-released files show Downing Street apologised after PM’s telegram was addressed in an ‘improper manner’.

Evening Standard

Bruton contacted Major about Sellafield concerns as legal action was explored

Then-taoiseach John Bruton raised the issue with British prime minister John Major after several safety incidents over a short period in the 1990s.

Evening Standard

John Major reprimanded John Bruton for ‘stormy’ speech in 1995

‘I regret that you have spoken in this way,’ British PM John Major wrote to Taoiseach John Bruton in 1995.

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Evening Standard

Concern about ‘superiority’ of royal yacht visiting Ireland in 1996

The visit was later cancelled due to security concerns.

The Independent UK

John Major ‘shouted at’ by Irish justice minister in Troubles-era meeting

Minister Padraig Flynn was exercised by a range of security issues.

Evening Standard

White House did not want photo of Clinton shaking Adams’ hand during 1995 visit

The then US president visited Northern Ireland before travelling to Dublin in 1995.

The Independent UK

White House had concerns over photo of Clinton shaking Gerry Adams’ hand

Bill Clinton met Gerry Adams on the Falls Road in Belfast

The Independent UK

Don’t worry, Rachel Reeves – you’re not the only one with embarrassing relatives

IN FOCUS: Rachel Reeves’ Budget week from hell has just got worse, as her own uncle Terry has publicly criticised her policies. But she’s far from the only public figure with an embarrassingly vocal family member, as Katie Rosseinsky discovers

The Independent UK

This Week in History: A poisoned spy, street revolutions and the death of Castro

From power struggles to global crises, explore how major events between 24 and 30 November were captured on The Independent’s front pages

The Guardian - UK

A word of warning to the hounds circling Starmer: be careful what you wish for

With this level of unpopularity, the question of the PM’s future may seem simple. Yet what comes next could be nastily complicated, says Guardian columnist Martin Kettle

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