Major shadow cabinet

John Major was Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition from 2 May 1997, following his defeat at the 1997 general election, until 19 June 1997, when William Hague was elected to succeed him. Following the defeat, Major announced his resignation as leader. But, for logistical reasons, a new leader could not be elected for several weeks. In the intervening period, Major appointed an interim Shadow Cabinet.

Date formed2 May 1997

Date dissolved19 June 1997

MonarchElizabeth II

Leader of the OppositionJohn Major

Quick facts Date formed, Date dissolved ...

Major Shadow Cabinet
Shadow cabinet of the United Kingdom
May – June 1997
Date formed	2 May 1997
Date dissolved	19 June 1997
People and organisations
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Leader of the Opposition	John Major
Deputy Leader of the Opposition	Michael Heseltine
Member party	Conservative Party
Status in legislature	Official Opposition
History
Election	1997 general election
Outgoing election	1997 Conservative Party leadership election
Legislature terms	52nd UK Parliament
Predecessor	Blair shadow cabinet
Successor	Hague shadow cabinet

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The Shadow Cabinet was based on Major's final Cabinet. However, as seven Cabinet Ministers had lost their seats in the general election and another had not contested his seat, there were several vacancies. These were largely filled by either Major himself or by a relevant minister in the outgoing Cabinet.^[1] The position of Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland was not filled as the Conservatives had lost all their Scottish MPs in the election. Michael Howard (Shadow Home Secretary) and William Hague (Wales Secretary) were given joint responsibility for constitutional matters, including the brief to handle the Scottish and Welsh devolution^[2] legislation.