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l exposed – Angered by Clinton?s reception of Gerry Adams Domestic policy issues ? “ Back to Basics” campaign, 1993 – intended: economy, education, policing – inferred by media: trad values – scandals, sleaze and backbiting – (mistresses, Corp. directorships, cash for questions) ? Economic recession and stagflation 1992 – Changed policy – 5 successive years of recovery: ? growth, reducing inflation and unemployment ? Economic recovery by 1997 Leadership of party ? constant backbiting from Thatcherites eurosceptics ? 1995 Major resigned (but not PM position) (a first) ? won leadership (218 MPs) over eurosceptic Redwood (89) ? Dec. 1996 Cons lost majority in Commons ? economy improving, but 5 year limit on term May day 1997 election lost ? New Labour landslide. ? Lab 418 seats, Con 165, Lib Dem 46 ? Lab majority 179 ? 179 Con MPs lost seats – worst in century ? “curtain falls, time to get off the stage” cricket Retirement life: ? Backbenches, few political interventions – Chancellor Lamont: Major slow Black Wed. ?92 – criticized Hague?s move to right – criticized Thatcher for “warrior characteristics”, unconservative – 2023 criticized decline of civility ? cricket at MCC ? declined life peerage but Knighthood of garter ? 2023 Edwina Currie?s autobiography ? Discovered half brother and half sister ? Feb. 2023 Major Lamont held up release of papers – on Black Wednesday under FOIA ? Carlyle group chair ? Successor, William Hague, more unpopular