PM snubbed Olympics trip to watch Lord’s Test instead

JOHN MAJOR turned down the offer of a trip to the Olympics in America because he wanted to watch Test cricket at Lord’s, declassified files reveal.

The prime minister refused to attend the 1996 summer games in Atlanta, Georgia, despite aides warning that it may compromise his “street cred”.

A provisional itinerary had been drawn up which would have resulted in him seeing Matthew Pinsent and Steve Redgrave in the rowing final of the coxless pairs, where they won Britain’s only gold medal of the Games.

Rachel Reynolds, Mr Major’s private secretary, wrote to him saying: “I understand that you are thinking of staying here for the Lord’s Test in preference to going to the Olympics.

“While having to declare a certain personal interest … I think it would be a pity if you were to give up going entirely. It is likely to be your last chance.”

She added: “And people do like to see you at sporting things. They know you are a fan. There are always supportive comments around your appearances at cricket. Your support for the British team will be seen as a good thing. Even the King of Finland is turning up!”

In another letter, she said: “You cannot do too much of associating yourself

‘Your support for the British team will be seen as a good thing. Even the King of Finland is turning up!’

with winners.”

Rejecting concerns about wasting taxpayers’ money, she added: “I think it more likely that, as with the opening ceremony for Euro ’96, there would be snide remarks about you not supporting the British team.”

However, Mr Major opted to stay in London to watch the Test, in which Pakistan beat England.