Political Developments: Initial Issues for Major as Prime Minister Flashcards
What was the case for issues under Thatcher by the time Major became PM?
He still had to deal with them
Name 2 economic issues Major had to deal with
Inflation, Unemployment
Name 2 Foreign Issues Major had to deal with
The Gulf War, EEC Relations
How do polls show Major was initially unpopular in becoming the Conservative Leader and PM?
3 people were ahead of Major in terms of popularity to become the next Prime Minister
What happened to Major’s popularity ratings in polls when he became PM?
They increased
Why was it expected that Major’s popularity when becoming PM would increase?
It was called the ‘honeymoon phase’ for a Prime Minister when taking office
When did the First Gulf War end? (To the month)
March 1991
What did Major do shortly after the end of the First Gulf War?
He made a speech to repair European Relations
What did Major say in his speech with the EEC?
He said that Britain would be at the heart of Europe
Which tax did Major have to deal with in Britain?
Poll Tax
What would Poll Tax be replaced with?
Council Tax
When was it decided Council Tax would replace poll tax?
November 1991
How much would it cost to get rid of the Poll Tax?
£1.5 billion
What was initially suggested to Major with the Poll Tax?
Get rid of it as soon as he came into office
Why did Major not get rid of Poll Tax as soon as he got into office?
It could have caused a split in the Conservative Party
