A Brief Bio Of Tony Blair

By Jane Franklin

Tony Blair (full name, Anthony Charles Lynton Blair) was born on the 6th May 1953 in the Scottish capital city, Edinburgh. His father was a junior tax inspector trying to better himself by studying law at the University of Edinburgh. Upon his father successfully gaining a degree the family moved to Adelaide, Australia where he taught law.

Returning, after just a few years, to the United Kingdom the Blair family lived in Durham where the father lectured at the University. Remaining in Durham for some time Tony Blair studied at the Chorister School before moving to Edinburgh to study at the independent Fettes College.

While in Edinburgh Tony developed an interest in music and became involved in playing the guitar. After finishing at Edinburgh he moved to London and a year later started studying at Oxford University.

His interest in in left wing politics first showed while at St John's College. Becoming a pupil barrister, after gaining his BA with Second Class Honours, he met Cherie Booth (who was later to become his wife) at 11 King's Bench Walk Chambers. It was at this time that Tony Blair joined the Labour Party.

Initially more left wing in his outlook Blair took advantage of what connections he could and was eventually selected to stand for the constituency of Sedgefield, which he won in 1983.

In contrast to previous years Tony's ascent to power was swift and by 1984 he was the Opposition Spokesperson on Treasury and Economic Affairs. In 1994 the party mood was buoyant but the sudden death of their leader, John Smith, hit hard but cleared the path for Tony Blair to become the Leader of the Labour Party.

Under Blair the Labour Party underwent dramatic change and the changing of "Clause IV", in April 1995, changed the fundamental aims and values of the party, which became known as "New Labour".

New Labour won the 1997 general election and, on the second of May, Tony Blair became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It was a landslide victory and the next two general elections saw Tony Blair become the only person in the history of the party to win 3 consecutive general elections.

Even though Tony Blair's premiership saw many historic changes for the better, many folk believe that the history books will focus upon his part in the war in Iraq and the controversy which followed. The most visible successes of the period include the creation of the Welsh Assembly, the creation of a devolved parliament in Scotland and substantial progression in the fight for peace in Northern Ireland.

Having stood down as leader of the Labour Party on the twenty fourth of June, Tony Blair tendered his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to the Queen on the 27th of June 2007. He was then appointed to the position of Envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East for the United Nations, European Union, United States and Russia.

About the Author:

0 comments:

Guides Complete