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| 1990, March–April |
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| The unpopular community charge (poll tax) replaced property taxes (“rates”) in England and Wales, beginning April 1, leading to protests and riots. The popular backlash against this new system of taxation represented a major political setback for the Thatcher government. | 1 |
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| Oct. 5 |
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| Another setback for the Thatcher government occurred when Sir Geoffrey Howe, longtime Thatcher supporter and senior government official, resigned because Thatcher had publicly denounced the plan for monetary integration with Europe, a plan that all other EC nations and many conservatives supported. | 2 |
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| Nov. 28 |
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| Thatcher resigned over domestic and European monetary issues. Her chancellor of the exchequer and protégé, John Major, succeeded her as Conservative Party leader and as prime minister. While Thatcher's policies had brought about a rise in the standard of living for many in Britain, they had also brought higher unemployment, recurring inflation, and social unrest in many inner cities. | 3 |
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