John Major, born as John Major Ball on March 29, 1943, in Carshalton, Surrey, England, is a British politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1990 to 1997. He is associated with the Conservative Party and played a significant role in shaping British politics during the 1990s.

Major was born into a working-class family. His father, Tom Major-Ball, was a former circus performer and garden gnome manufacturer who later became a successful businessman. His mother, Gwen Major, worked as a dancer. Unfortunately, his parents' marriage ended in divorce when he was just two years old, and he was subsequently raised by his mother.

Major attended Rutlish School, a state secondary school in Wimbledon. However, his education was disrupted when his mother fell ill, and he had to leave school at the age of 16 to support his family. He took up various odd jobs, including working as a clerk for the London Electricity Board.

In 1963, at the age of 20, Major decided to pursue a career in banking. He joined the Standard Chartered Bank as a clerk and worked his way up over the next decade. During this time, he also enrolled in evening classes at the London School of Economics, where he studied history, economics, and politics.

Major's involvement in politics began in the early 1960s when he joined the Young Conservatives. In 1968, he became a local councilor in the London Borough of Lambeth. He contested his first parliamentary election in 1974 but was unsuccessful. However, he persevered and won the seat for Huntingdonshire in the 1979 general election.

The election took place on April 9, 1992, and Major's leadership during the campaign was crucial in securing the Conservative Party's success.

The 1992 general election was a closely contested one, with initial opinion polls indicating a lead for the opposition Labour Party led by Neil Kinnock. However, Major's leadership and campaigning skills played a significant role in turning the tide in favor of the Conservative Party.

Major presented himself as a steady and dependable leader, focusing on themes such as stability, economic recovery, and the "classless society." He campaigned on the platform of continuing the economic policies of the Conservative government and emphasizing the party's commitment to individual freedom and personal responsibility.

During the campaign, Major conducted a series of public rallies and television appearances, including the well-remembered "soapbox" speeches. These events allowed him to connect directly with voters and present himself as a relatable and trustworthy figure.

The election result came as a surprise to many, as the Conservative Party managed to secure a majority in the House of Commons. They won 336 seats, while the Labour Party won 271 seats. This victory allowed Major to continue serving as Prime Minister and lead the country for the next five years.

As Prime Minister, Major focused on domestic policies, including social issues and education reform. He also faced challenges related to the economy, including the aftermath of the recession in the early 1990s. Major's government implemented measures to stabilize the economy and promote growth, such as the privatization of state-owned companies and reforms in the housing and welfare sectors.

However, Major's premiership faced difficulties and divisions within his own party, particularly over Europe. He encountered rebellions from Eurosceptic Conservative MPs, which often made it challenging to implement his policies and maintain party unity.

Despite the victory in the 1992 general election, Major's leadership faced increasing criticism and challenges, ultimately leading to the Conservative Party's defeat in the 1997 general election. The Labour Party, led by Tony Blair, emerged victorious, ending Major's tenure as Prime Minister.

Nevertheless, the 1992 general election marked a significant moment in John Major's political career, as he successfully led the Conservative Party to victory against expectations and continued to play a prominent role in British politics throughout the 1990s.