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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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James Callaghan
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(b. 1912, baron 1987) Labour politician, MP for Cardiff constituencies (1945–87) and prime minister 1976–9. His first career was as a tax officer in the Inland Revenue. He entered the cabinet as chancellor of the exchequer (1964–7) at the start of Harold Wilson's first administration, and in 1967 he had to advise the prime minister to devalue sterling (see the *pound in your pocket). Callaghan then became home secretary (1967–70). At the start of the next Labour administration he was foreign secretary (1974–6) and on Wilson's surprise resignation, in 1976, the party's MPs elected Callaghan as their leader; he therefore automatically succeeded Wilson as prime minister. His term in office was dominated by industrial unrest, culminating in the *winter of discontent. On 28 March 1979 the government was narrowly defeated (311 votes to 310) on an opposition motion of no confidence. It was the first occasion since 1924 when a vote in the House of Commons had precipitated a general election, though one was due in any case within the next six months. Labour lost the election and in October 1980 Callaghan resigned as party leader, being followed by Michael *Foot.
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