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James Callaghan

British Prime Minister in the 1970s

James Callaghan, also known as Jim Callaghan, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1979. He was the only person to have held all four Great Offices of State. Callaghan was a Member of Parliament from 1945 to 1987, and after retiring, he was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Callaghan of Cardiff. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 92.

Related

Harold Macmillan Tony Blair Winston Churchill David Cameron Margaret Thatcher Ramsay MacDonald Henry Campbell-Bannerman John Maynard Keynes David Lloyd George James Dyson

Timeline

James Callaghan's Childhood in Poverty

James Callaghan, the future Prime Minister of Britain, was born into poverty in Portsmouth, England on March 27, 1912. His father's early death when he was 9 years old plunged the family into financial hardship. The situation improved when the first Labour government granted his mother a widow's pension in 1924.

James Callaghan resigns from Civil Service to join trade union full-time

After his stint in the Civil Service with the Inland Revenue, James Callaghan decided to leave and take on a permanent role with the Inland Revenue Staff Federation, focusing on trade union activities.

Marriage to Audrey Elizabeth Moulton

James Callaghan married Audrey Elizabeth Moulton in July 1938. They met while working as Sunday School teachers at a local Baptist church.

Marriage of James Callaghan

Prime Minister James Callaghan married his wife Audrey on July 28, 1938, and they remained married for 66 years until her death in 2005.

James Callaghan joins the Royal Navy

In 1942, James Callaghan was accepted into the Royal Navy after initially being rejected due to his reserved occupation status. He served on the aircraft carrier HMS Activity and the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth during World War Two.

James Callaghan appointed parliamentary secretary to the Ministry of Transport

In 1947, James Callaghan was appointed parliamentary secretary to the Ministry of Transport. During his term, important improvements in road safety were made, including the introduction of zebra crossings and an extension in the use of cat's eyes.

James Callaghan becomes parliamentary and financial secretary to the Admiralty

In 1950, James Callaghan became parliamentary and financial secretary to the Admiralty. He was a delegate to the Council of Europe and resisted plans for a European army.

James Callaghan Defeated in Deputy Leadership Election

In 1960, James Callaghan was defeated in the deputy leadership election by George Brown within the Labour Party. This event marked a setback in Callaghan's political career.

Appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer

In October 1964, Callaghan was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer under Prime Minister Harold Wilson's Labour government, which was dealing with a significant deficit.

Callaghan's Second Budget

Callaghan announced efforts to deflate the economy and reduce home import demand by £250,000,000. The bank rate was also reduced from 7% to 6%.

Adoption of Decimal Currency

Callaghan announced the historic decision that the UK would adopt decimal currency. This move was part of a 'little budget' speech to the Commons.

1966 General Election

At the general election, Labour won 363 seats compared to 252 seats against the Conservatives, giving the Labour government an increased majority of 97 seats.

Callaghan's Third Budget

Callaghan introduced a Selective Employment Tax, penalising the service industry and favouring the manufacturing industry. This budget was followed by strikes and a loan from Swiss banks.

James Callaghan's intervention against Barbara Castle's wages policy

In 1969, James Callaghan intervened decisively against Barbara Castle's plans for a wages policy, showcasing his support for trade unions. However, this move also played a role in the unraveling of Labour's economic strategy in the 1970s.

Increase of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland

During his tenure as Home Secretary in 1970, James Callaghan witnessed a rise in sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, which escalated further under the subsequent Conservative administration of Ted Heath.

Callaghan introduces the idea of the Social Contract

In 1972, Callaghan was responsible for drafting a new policy statement that included the concept of the Social Contract between the government and trade unions.

Callaghan appointed as Foreign Secretary

After Wilson's victory in the 1974 general election, Callaghan was appointed as the Foreign Secretary, where he played a key role in renegotiating the UK's membership terms in the Common Market.

Callaghan awarded Freedom of the City of Cardiff

On March 16, 1975, Callaghan was granted the Freedom of the City of Cardiff as a recognition of his contributions and achievements.

Prime Minister James Callaghan Attends Economic Summit Meeting

On May 7, 1975, Prime Minister James Callaghan attended an Economic Summit Meeting in Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico.

James Callaghan Becomes Prime Minister

James Callaghan, a member of the Labour Party, became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in April 1976.

James Callaghan becomes Prime Minister

James Callaghan assumed the position of Prime Minister on April 5, 1976.

Callaghan's 'Ruskin Speech'

On 18 October 1976, James Callaghan delivered a famous address at Oxford’s Ruskin College, criticizing the unaccountability of British public schools and teachers and discussing the negative impact of isolating the education curriculum from the government.

Private Visit of Prime Minister James Callaghan

Prime Minister James Callaghan made a private visit during March 9-12, 1977.

James Callaghan Becomes Prime Minister

James Callaghan's ascent to the Prime Minister's office on April 5, 1977, marked a significant moment in British political history. His journey from a tax inspector and Royal Navy officer to a leading figure in the Labour Party underscores his commitment to public service.

Attendance at North Atlantic Alliance Summit Conference

Prime Minister James Callaghan attended the North Atlantic Alliance Summit conference on March 23, 1978.

Private Visit of Prime Minister James Callaghan

Prime Minister James Callaghan made another private visit during May 29-June 2, 1978.

Callaghan's song at Trades Union Congress meeting

On September 6, 1978, Callaghan sang 'Waiting at the Church' at the Trades Union Congress meeting, which was seen as a moment of hubris and misinterpreted by many.

Motion of No-Confidence in House of Commons

The House of Commons passed a motion of no-confidence by one vote, 311–310, which forced Prime Minister Callaghan to call a general election.

UK General Election

The UK general election was held, where the Conservatives under Margaret Thatcher won, defeating the Labour Party led by James Callaghan.

Resignation as Leader of the Labour Party

On October 15, 1980, James Callaghan resigned as leader of the Labour Party, paving the way for Michael Foot to succeed him.

Publication of Autobiography 'Time and Chance'

In 1987, James Callaghan published his autobiography 'Time and Chance', reflecting on his political career and experiences.

Callaghan's Interview with The Oldie Magazine

In October 1999, Callaghan expressed his belief that he might be considered as Britain's worst prime minister in 200 years. He also took responsibility for the Winter of Discontent during this interview.

Public Appearance at Buckingham Palace

One of James Callaghan's final public appearances was on April 29, 2002, at Buckingham Palace for a dinner celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. He was joined by other former prime ministers and his daughter Margaret, Baroness Jay.

Longest-Married Prime Minister's Wife's Death

Audrey Callaghan, wife of Prime Minister James Callaghan, passed away on March 15, 2005, after being married for 66 years.

Death of James Callaghan

James Callaghan, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, passed away on 26th March 2005 at the age of 92. He held the record for being the longest living Prime Minister in British history.

Lecture on James Callaghan by Kenneth O. Morgan

Kenneth O. Morgan delivered a lecture titled 'Prime Ministers in the Post-War World: James Callaghan' at Gresham College on June 5, 2007, with downloadable video and audio files available.

Unveiling of James Callaghan Memorial Stone

On 7th July 2015, a memorial stone dedicated to James Callaghan, former Labour Prime Minister, was revealed in Westminster Abbey. The slate stone, designed by Nicholas Sloan, commemorates Callaghan's tenure as Prime Minister from 1976 to 1979.

Official Portrait of James Callaghan

An official portrait of James Callaghan painted by David Griffiths is archived on the Downing Street website as of January 20, 2017.

End of the Timeline
James Callaghan

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