James Callaghan
James Callaghan (1912-2005), British politician. Before World War II he was a tax officer in the Civil Service; he first entered politics as Labour MP for South Cardiff in 1945. Having served as Chancellor of the Exchequer (1964-67), home secretary (1967-70), and foreign secretary (1974-76), he became prime minister on Harold Wilson’s resignation in 1976. His period in office was marked by strikes and economic difficulties. Following Labour’s defeat in the general election of 1979, he resigned as party leader in 1980.
