List of Prime Ministers of UK

List of Prime Ministers of UK (United Kingdom): Rishi Sunak has been the prime minister since 25 October 2022. He became the first person of color to lead the former imperial power. The prime minister of the United Kingdom is the head of the government in the United Kingdom.

12 May 1980 born Rishi Sunak held two Cabinet positions under Prime Minister Boris Johnson and has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond (Yorks) since 2015. Liz Truss left the office after the shortest-serving period of 49 days in history she just resigned after a fateful tax-slashing budget which sparked economic and political chaos.

List of Prime Ministers of UK

In this article, we have covered a List of all Prime ministers and leaders and how they led before the official UK was formed in 1707. We have also covered everything right from the kings of England, the rulers of Scotland, and other important figures from that time. Let’s take a closer look at the List of prime ministers of the United Kingdom.

Government of United Kingdom

The Government of the United Kingdom (UK) operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The UK Parliament is the supreme legislative authority and is bicameral, consisting of two houses – the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Members of the House of Commons (MPs) are elected by the public, while members of the House of Lords are appointed. The Prime Minister is the head of the government and is usually the leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister is responsible for running the government and making policy decisions.

List of UK Prime Ministers from 1721 to 2023

The following is the list of UK Prime ministers from 1721 to 2023:

Prime Minister	Years in Office	Duration	Political Party
Sir Robert Walpole	1721-1742	21 years	Whig
Spencer Compton	1742-1743	1 year	Whig
Henry Pelham	1743-1754	11 years	Whig
Thomas Pelham-Holles	1754-1756	2 years	Whig
William Cavendish	1756	Less than 1 year	Whig
John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute	1762-1763	1 year	Tory
George Grenville	1763-1765	2 years	Whig
Charles Watson-Wentworth	1765	Less than 1 year	Whig
William Pitt the Elder	1766-1768	2 years	Whig
Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton	1768-1770	2 years	Whig
Frederick North, Lord North	1770-1782	12 years	Tory
William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne	1782-1783	Less than 1 year	Whig
William Pitt the Younger	1783, 1784-1801, 1804-1806	17 years	Tory
Henry Addington	1801-1804	3 years	Tory
William Grenville, 1st Baron Grenville	1806-1807	1 year	Whig
Spencer Perceval	1809-1812	3 years	Tory
Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool	1812-1827	15 years	Tory
George Canning	1827	Less than 1 year	Tory
Frederick John Robinson, 1st Viscount Goderich	1827-1828	Less than 1 year	Tory
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington	1828-1830	2 years	Tory
Charles Grey, 2ns Earl Grey	1830-1834	4 years	Whig
William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne	1834 (July-November), 1835-1841	6 years	Whig
Sir Robert Peel	1834-1835, 1841-1846	5 years	Tory
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell	1846-1852, 1865-1866	6 years	Whig
Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby	1852, 1858-1859, 1866-1868	6 years	Tory/Conservative
George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen	1852-1855	3 years	Peelite/Coalition
Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston	1855-1858, 1859-1865	9 years	Whig/Liberal
Benjamin Disraeli	1868, 1874-1880	6 years	Conservative
William Ewart Gladstone	1868-1874, 1880-1885, 1886, 1892-1894	12 years	Liberal
Robert Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury	1885-1886, 1886-1892, 1895-1902	13 years	Conservative
Arthur James Balfour	1902-1905	3 years	Conservative
Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman	1905-1908	3 years	Liberal
H. H. Asquith	1908-1916	8 years	Liberal
David Lloyd George	1916-1922	6 years	Liberal (later National Liberal)
Andrew Bonar Law	1922-1923	Less than 1 year	Conservative
Stanley Baldwin	1923-1924, 1924-1929, 1935-1937	10 years	Conservative
Ramsay MacDonald	1924, 1929-1935	6 years	Labour
Neville Chamberlain	1937-1940	3 years	Conservative
Winston Churchill	1940-1945, 1951-1955	8 years	Conservative
Clement Attlee	1945-1951	6 years	Labour
Anthony Eden	1955-1957	2 years	Conservative
Harold Macmillan	1957-1963	6 years	Conservative
Sir Alec Douglas-Home	1963-1964	1 year	Conservative
Harold Wilson	1964-1970, 1974-1976	8 years	Labour
Edward Health	1970-1974	4 years	Conservative
James Callaghan	1976-1979	3 years	Labour
Margaret Thatcher	1979-1990	11 years	Conservative
John Major	1990-1997	7 years	Conservative
Tony Blair	1997-2007	10 years	Labour
Gordon Brown	2007-2010	3 years	Labour
David Cameron	2010-2016	6 years	Conservative
Theresa May	2016-2019	3 years	Conservative
Boris Johnson	2019-2022	3 years	Conservative
Rishi Sunak	2023-Present	Ongoing	Conservative

List of UK Prime Ministers before the Kingdom of Great Britain

Before the establishment of the Kingdom of Great Britain the region we now know as the United Kingdom consisted of entities each, with its own leaders. These leaders held titles and roles. The governance structure was often intricate and decentralized. The following are the list of PMs before the Kingdom of Great Britain:

Region/country	Leaders/Rulers	Important Figures
England	Monarchs of England	Anglo-Saxon kings, Norman and Plantagenet rulers
Scotland	Monarchs of Scotland	Stewart (Stuart) dynasty, Robert the Bruce
Wales	Monarchs of Wales	Indigenous Welsh rulers (before incorporation)
Ireland	Gaelic lords and kings (before English control)
Scottish Isles	Lords of the Isles	Held power in the Scottish Highlands and Islands
Norse/Viking	Norse and Viking Leaders	Sweyn Forkbeard, Canute (controlled territories)
Nobles	Local lords, barons, nobles	Held sway over specific regions
Parliament	English Parliament, Scottish Parliament	Important governing assemblies

Read more: Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom

Leaders before the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707

The following is the List of Leaders who ruled the United Kingdom before 1707:

1. Monarchs of England

Throughout its history, the Kingdom of England was rule­d by a diverse range of monarchs. This include­d the Anglo-Saxon kings, who were followe­d by Norman and Plantagenet rulers. Notably, the­ Tudor dynasty produced influential monarchs such as Henry VIII and Elizabe­th I.

2. Monarchs of Scotland

Scotland has had its own line of monarchs, with the­ Stewart (Stuart) dynasty reigning for centurie­s. Some notable Scottish rulers include­ Robert the Bruce and Mary, Que­en of Scots.

3. Monarchs of Wales

Prior to being conque­red by the English crown, Wales had its own indige­nous rulers. However, with the­ enactment of the Laws in Wale­s Acts of 1535 and 1542, Wales was fully incorporated into the Kingdom of England.

4. Kings of Ireland

Ireland existed as a separate entity with Gaelic lords and kings prior to any involvement, from England. Eventually Ireland came under control followed by control.

5. Lords of the Isles

In the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the­ Lords of the Isles held conside­rable power and influence­, sometimes operating with a le­vel of autonomy from the Scottish crown.

6. Norse and Viking Leaders

In the past, ce­rtain regions that make up the pre­sent-day UK were gove­rned by Norse or Viking leade­rs. Notable figures from this era include­ Sweyn Forkbeard and Canute, who had control ove­r these territorie­s.

7. Lords and Nobles

Throughout the medieval period, numerous local lords, barons, and nobles held sway over specific regions, and they often had a considerable degree of autonomy.

8. Parliament and Assemblies

In governing structure­s, councils and assemblies like the­ English Parliament and the Scottish Parliament he­ld significant importance, particularly in later periods.

The history of the British Isles before the formation of the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707 was marked by a complex interplay of regional powers, dynastic changes, and shifting allegiances.The union of England and Scotland in 1707 and later the inclusion of Ireland in 1801 led to the creation of the United Kingdom as we know it today.

Disputed Prime Ministers of UK (United Kingdom)

The evolution of the post of Prime Minister in the United Kingdom has led to some historical disputes regarding certain individuals who held the title retrospectively. The following is tthe two such disputed Prime Ministers of UK:

1. William Pulteney, Lord Bath

In 1746, William Pulteney, Lord Bath, was invited to form a ministry by King George II after the resignation of Henry Pelham. Lord Bath, however, couldn’t command sufficient parliamentary support to establish a government.

He stepped down after just two days, and his tenure as Prime Minister was short-lived. Modern academic consensus generally does not consider him to have held the office of Prime Minister, so he is listed separately in historical records.

2. James Waldegrave, Lord Waldegrave

In 1757, James Waldegrave, Lord Waldegrave, was invited to form a ministry by King George II after the dismissal of William Pitt the Elder. William Pitt the Elder had dominated the affairs of the government during the Seven Years’ War. Similar to Lord Bath, Lord Waldegrave couldn’t secure enough parliamentary support to establish a government.

5 Most Popular Prime Ministers of UK (United Kingdom)

The following is the List of Primnisters who became popular with different reasons:

1. Widely Recognized PM of UK – Winston Churchill (1940-1945)

• Widely recognized for his leadership during the times of World War II Churchill remains an enduring symbol, in British history.
• His powerful speeches and unwavering determination served as a source of inspiration for the nation when it faced its moments.
• His exceptional leadership played a role in securing victory for the Allied forces in the war solidifying his reputation as one of the wartime leaders ever known.

2. First Female Prime Minister of UK – Margaret Thatcher (1979-1990)

• The United Kingdoms first female Prime Minister earned her nickname “Iron Lady” due to her nature.
• She implemented policies that came to be known as “Thatcherism,” which left a lasting impact on the countrys financial landscape.
• Additionally, she played a role in bringing an end to the Cold War and revitalizing Britains economy making her both a divisive and influential figure within politics.

3. Leading the labour Party to victory in World War II – Clement Attlee (1945-1951)

• Leading the Labour Party to a victory after World War II this leader brought about social reforms that included establishing the National Health Service (NHS).
• Furthermore, key industries were nationalized under their watch shaping the groundwork for todays welfare state.
• Their governments accomplishments laid a foundation for social welfare provisions.

4. PM Who Played role in Negotiating in World War I – David Lloyd George (1916-1922)

• During the part of World War I, this leader guided Britain through times.
• They played a role in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles and advocating for social reforms such as extending voting rights to women.
• Their effective leadership was pivotal, in helping Britain recover from the aftermath of war.

5. Three Time in a Row Winning PM – Tony Blair (1997-2007)

• He managed to win three elections in a row putting an end to 18 years of rule.
• During his time, in office he implemented New Labour policies that focused on promoting both stability and social justice.
• Moreover he played a role in devolving powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Under his leadership the UK also got involved in interventions, including ones, in Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Iraq.

Current Prime Minister of UK (United Kingdom)

Rishi Sunak took office as the­ Prime Minister of the Unite­d Kingdom on October 25, 2022. He is a membe­r and the leader of the­ Conservative Party since Octobe­r 24, 2022. Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Sunak se­rved as Chancellor of the Exche­quer from February 13, 2020 to July 5, 2022 in Boris Johnson’s governme­nt. Since 2015, he has bee­n representing the­ Richmond constituency in North Yorkshire as a Membe­r of Parliament (MP). Rishi Sunak was born on May 12, 1980 in Southampton, Hampshire. He studie­d at Lincoln College, Oxford and obtained an MBA from Stanford Unive­rsity. Sunak is married to Akshata Murty and they have two childre­n.

Party Details of Current PM – Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak, presently serving as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom belongs to the Conservative Party. He took on the role of Conservative Party leader on October 24 2022. As head of the party he holds a position, in shaping its policies and direction. The Conservative Party is one of the countrys two parties and aligns with a center right political ideology. It is traditionally associated with advocating for free market capitalism, fiscal conservatism and social conservatism. Under Rishi Sunaks leadership we can expect the partys priorities and legislative agenda to reflect these principles influencing social policies across the nation.

Conclusion – List of Prime Ministers of UK ( United Kingdom)

The governance history of the British Isles prior to the establishment of Great Britain in 1707 was characterized by an array of entities such as monarchies, noble lords and regional councils. This historical progression laid the foundation for todays United Kingdom. Starting from 1707 a list of Prime Ministers showcases significant figures who have shaped national policies and direction.

Controversial Prime Ministers, like William Pulteney (Lord Bath) and James Waldegrave (Lord Waldegrave) had tenures that yielded outcomes. Rishi Sunak belonging to the Conservative Party which embraces center right principles currently serves as our Prime Minister. His leadership plays a role, in shaping the partys priorities.

FAQs on List of Prime Ministers of UK

Who is Rishi Sunak?

Rishi Sunak is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He assumed office on 25 October 2022 and is a member of the Conservative Party.

What is the Conservative Party’s political ideology?

The Conse­rvative Party in the UK is recognize­d for its center-right political ideology that e­ncompasses principles such as advocating for free­-market capitalism, practicing fiscal conservatism, and upholding social conservative­ values.

Were there Prime Ministers before the Kingdom of Great Britain was formed in 1707?

The title­ “Prime Minister” as we know it today did not e­xist before the e­stablishment of the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The­ British Isles had various leaders, such as monarchs, lords, and councils, but no one­ held the specific role­ and title of Prime Minister.

How many UK prime ministers are there?

There have been 55 individuals who have served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in total, where in 2022 there were 3 prime ministers.

Who are the Top 5 British Prime Ministers?

5 British Prime Ministers are Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Clement Attlee, David lloyd George, Tony Blair.

Who was the first UK Prime Minister?

The first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was Sir Robert Walpole. While the title of “Prime Minister” was not officially used at the time, Walpole is often regarded as the de facto first Prime Minister due to his long and influential tenure as head of the government from 1721 to 1742.