James Callaghan (1976-9) - Prime Minister - Parliament

James Callaghan was born in 1912 and after a modest education he eventually joined the Labour Party as a trade union official. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1945 and held minor posts under Attlee. After the success of the Labour Party in 1964, Callaghan became the Chancellor of the Exchequer. He resigned from office but was recalled in 1968 as the Home Secretary.

Under Wilson he became Britain’s foreign secretary. After the resignation of Wilson in 1976 Callaghan had a surprise victory over Roy Jenkins and Michael Foot for leadership of the Labour Party and he came to power. Callaghan and his party were defeated in 1979 after deep cuts in public spending.

"You never reach the promised land. You can march towards it"

"A lie can be half-way around the world before truth has got its boots on"

"We used to think that you could spend your way out of a recession, and increase employment by cutting taxes and boosting Government spending. I tell you in all candour that that option no longer exists"