Prime Minister of the United Kingdom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
|
|---|---|
|
|
.svg)
|
|
|
|
| Style |
|
| Member of |
|
| Reports to | |
| Residence |
|
| Appointer | The Monarch
(with their choice limited to the person who can command the confidence of the House of Commons)
|
| Term length | At His Majesty's pleasure |
| First holder | Sir Robert Walpole |
| Deputy | No fixed position; often held by: |
| Salary | £166,786 per annum (2024) (including £91,346 MP salary) |
.jpg)
The prime minister of the United Kingdom is the most important political leader in the UK. They are the head of government, meaning they lead the country's government. The prime minister gives advice to the King or Queen and leads the Cabinet, which is a group of top government ministers. They also choose who becomes a minister.
Since prime ministers need the support of the House of Commons, they are usually also members of Parliament. The job of prime minister isn't set out in a law. It exists because of a long-standing tradition. This tradition says the monarch appoints the person who has the most support in the House of Commons. This is usually the leader of the political party with the most seats.
The prime minister is also known as the First Lord of the Treasury. They are also in charge of the Civil Service and national security. The prime minister's official home and office is 10 Downing Street in London.
The power of the prime minister has grown a lot since the first one, Robert Walpole, in 1721. Today, the prime minister is seen as one of the most powerful political leaders in the world. As the leader of a major economy and a key member of groups like NATO and the G7, the prime minister has a big role both at home and globally.
So far, 58 people have been prime minister. This includes 55 men and 3 women. The first was Robert Walpole, who started on 3 April 1721. Walpole was also the longest-serving prime minister, staying in office for over 20 years. The shortest-serving was Liz Truss, who served for only seven weeks. The current prime minister is Keir Starmer. He took office on 5 July 2024, after the 2024 general election.
Contents
How the Prime Minister's Job Began
Early Days: 1689–1721
The job of prime minister wasn't created all at once. It slowly developed over 300 years. This happened because of many laws, political changes, and historical events. It's hard to say exactly when the job was first made.
The 17th century was a time of big changes in Britain. The English Civil War was a fight between the King and Parliament over who should rule. This led to the Execution of Charles I in 1649, ending the idea of a king having total power.
In 1660, the King returned, but with less power. The Glorious Revolution of 1688–1689 removed James II and brought in William III and Mary II. They ruled as constitutional monarchs, meaning their power was limited by laws. The Bill of Rights in 1689 made Parliament more powerful than the King. During this time, Parliament had two main groups: the Whigs and the Tories.
Parliament gained control over the country's money. This meant the King had to work with Parliament. The head of the Treasury, called the Lord High Treasurer, gained power to create budgets. The informal term 'Prime Minister' started to be used around this time. Since 1721, the person holding this role was often also the First Lord of the Treasury.
After Queen Anne died in 1714, George I became King. He wasn't very popular and didn't speak much English. He left most of the governing to his ministers. In 1720, a financial crisis called the South Sea Bubble caused a lot of economic trouble. Many government officials were involved.
Sir Robert Walpole, who was working in the government, was appointed First Lord of the Treasury in 1721. He is generally seen as the first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Robert Walpole's Time as Prime Minister
Walpole was prime minister from 1721 to 1742. This period is sometimes called the "Robinocracy". He was good at handling money after the South Sea Bubble crisis. He kept peace, lowered taxes, and reduced the country's debt. He was also very skilled at managing Parliament.
Walpole's main goal was to keep things stable. Even though he didn't pass many big new laws, he gave the country much-needed peace after a century of problems. His time in office was very important. It helped shift political power to the House of Commons. It also helped create the modern Cabinet system. Walpole resigned in 1742 after a difficult war with Spain.
What the Prime Minister Does
Leading the Government
The prime minister is the leader of the United Kingdom government. They lead the Cabinet, which is the main decision-making group. The prime minister also leads a major political party and usually has the most support in the House of Commons. This means they have a lot of power to make laws and run the country.
In the British system, the powers of the government are not strictly separated. The prime minister leads the Cabinet, and together they are responsible for the government's actions. The prime minister must always keep the support of the House of Commons. If they lose this support, for example, in a vote of no confidence, they are expected to resign or ask the King to call a new election.
.jpg)
The prime minister is the main advisor to the King or Queen, who is the head of state. While the monarch has some powers on paper, in reality, these powers are used based on the prime minister's advice. This means the King "reigns but does not rule." The prime minister advises the monarch on things like calling elections and appointing people to the House of Lords.
The prime minister also leads the government in setting policies and making sure different government departments work together. They have special powers, called "prerogative powers," especially in foreign policy and national security. These powers include declaring war, making treaties, and sending troops. However, the prime minister usually seeks Parliament's approval before taking military action.
Making Laws in Parliament
In the House of Commons, the prime minister guides the process of making laws. Their goal is to pass the laws that their political party wants. The prime minister chooses all other Cabinet members and ministers. They also coordinate the work of all government departments and the Civil Service.
The prime minister is also the public "face" and "voice" of the government, both in the UK and around the world. The King or Queen uses many of their powers only after getting advice from the prime minister. This includes appointing judges, officials, and church leaders, and giving out honours like knighthoods.
The prime minister leads the part of the government that makes things happen. They guide new laws through Parliament. Even though the prime minister doesn't directly introduce laws, their control over the Cabinet and their role as party leader give them a lot of influence. They can make sure laws that match their party's goals are passed.
The prime minister has a lot of power in passing laws by keeping their party members united. If the prime minister's party has a majority in the Commons, they can pass laws with little trouble. This power is often helped by "Whips," who make sure MPs vote the way the government wants. The prime minister also shapes laws before they even reach Parliament, working with ministers and civil servants.
Prime Minister's Powers in Parliament
The prime minister's power in Parliament comes from old traditions and laws that have grown over centuries. The job of prime minister isn't directly mentioned in parliamentary law. It's based on how things have been done over time. The prime minister controls the Cabinet and influences what laws are discussed. They can do this because they usually have a strong majority of MPs who support the government.
Another important power is choosing who is in the Cabinet. The prime minister not only picks Cabinet members but also guides their collective decisions. The prime minister usually leads Cabinet meetings and decides what topics are discussed. This helps them steer decisions in their preferred direction. They also control Parliament's schedule, deciding when government bills are debated.
The prime minister's parliamentary powers also include foreign relations. They represent the government on the world stage. This includes discussing and approving international agreements in Parliament.
Special Powers: Prerogative Powers
Some of the most important powers of the prime minister are called "prerogative powers." These powers originally came from the King or Queen's authority. Over time, they became tools used by the prime minister and the government. These powers allow the prime minister to act without needing immediate approval from Parliament, especially for things like declaring war, sending troops, or giving out honours.
Prerogative powers let the prime minister act on behalf of the King in situations where there isn't a specific law or tradition. For example, in foreign affairs, the prime minister uses these powers. In 2003, Prime Minister Tony Blair sent British troops to Iraq without immediate parliamentary approval. However, there are growing calls for more checks on these powers.
These powers can be tricky because they aren't always regulated by specific laws. This can raise questions about who is accountable. However, courts have sometimes stepped in to review how these powers are used. This shows a balance between old traditions and the need for modern accountability.
How the Prime Minister is Chosen
Appointment Process
In modern times, how a prime minister is chosen follows unwritten rules called "constitutional conventions." These rules are explained in guides like The Cabinet Manual.
.jpg)
The King or Queen officially appoints the prime minister. In the past, the monarch could choose or even dismiss a prime minister based on their own preference. But now, it's a rule that the monarch stays out of party politics.
If a political party wins a general election and gets the most seats in the House of Commons, their leader will be asked by the monarch to form a new government. The new prime minister then goes to Buckingham Palace to meet the monarch. This meeting is a moment for the prime minister to promise loyalty and ask permission to form the government. This ceremony is sometimes called "kissing hands." After this, the prime minister is officially the head of His Majesty's government.
The prime minister holds their job because they have the support of the House of Commons. This support comes from the voters in a general election. By tradition, the prime minister is also a Member of Parliament and is usually the leader of the party with the most seats.
The Prime Minister's Office
The Prime Minister's Office helps the prime minister set and achieve the government's goals. It also helps communicate government policies to Parliament, the public, and other countries. This office is part of the Cabinet Office, but it works very closely with the prime minister.
The Prime Minister's Office was officially created in 1916 during World War I. This was the first time the prime minister's job was formally recognized as a separate part of the government. It was needed to help the prime minister lead the country more effectively during wartime.
Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs)
Prime Minister's Questions, or PMQs, is a regular event in Parliament. It happens every Wednesday at noon when the House of Commons is meeting. During PMQs, the prime minister answers questions from other members of Parliament. The leader of the opposition usually asks six questions, and the leader of the third-largest party can ask two. This is a time when the prime minister is often seen live on TV and radio.
PMQs started in its modern form in 1961 as an experiment. It became a regular event to make the prime minister more accountable. Since 1989, PMQs have been broadcast, and since 1990, they have been shown live to the public. This makes the government more open and transparent.
Security and Travel
The prime minister and former prime ministers are protected by the Metropolitan Police Service. When the prime minister lives at 10 Downing Street, they are always guarded by armed police. There are security checkpoints, large gates, and patrols. This security was increased due to threats in the past.
When the prime minister travels, they are accompanied by police officers and a security team. Their cars are special, custom-made vehicles with many security features. These cars are driven by police officers. The prime minister also uses military and civilian planes for air travel.
International Role
One of the prime minister's jobs is to represent the UK at home and abroad. For example, they attend the annual G7 Summit with leaders from other major countries. The prime minister makes many international trips to discuss global issues and build relationships with other nations.
Deputy Prime Minister
Prime ministers sometimes have a deputy. This person might be called the official Deputy Prime Minister or First Secretary of State. Sometimes, a prime minister doesn't choose a specific deputy.
The role of deputy prime minister is not set by law. It has often been created when needed for political reasons. For example, Clement Attlee was made deputy prime minister during World War II to help Winston Churchill manage the country. More recently, Nick Clegg served as deputy prime minister in a coalition government from 2010. In this role, he led Cabinet meetings and important discussions.
What Happens if a Prime Minister Dies
There is no automatic rule about who takes over if a prime minister suddenly dies. There is also no official title like "acting prime minister." The King or Queen would choose a very senior government member to act as a temporary prime minister. This person would likely be someone acceptable to the Cabinet. Once the ruling party chooses a new leader, that person would become the new prime minister.
For example, in 2020, when Boris Johnson was very ill with COVID-19, he asked Dominic Raab to take his place "where necessary."
Resigning from Office
.jpg)
A prime minister leaves office by giving their resignation to the King or Queen. This usually happens after their party loses a general election. It can also happen if they are forced to resign for political reasons or due to illness.
If a prime minister resigns in the middle of their term, and their party still has a majority, the party chooses a new leader. The King then asks this new leader to become prime minister. The old prime minister usually stays in the job until the new leader is chosen. After resigning, former prime ministers remain Members of Parliament. They can also ask the monarch to give honours to people they choose. No prime minister has ever lost their own seat in a general election. Only one prime minister, Spencer Perceval, was assassinated, in 1812.
Life After Being Prime Minister
Retirement Honours
When a prime minister retires, the King or Queen usually gives them an honour. This is often membership in the Order of the Garter, which is a very high honour. If the prime minister is Scottish, they might receive the Order of the Thistle instead.
Historically, many prime ministers were also given a peerage, which meant they became a member of the House of Lords. The last prime minister to become an earl was Harold Macmillan in 1984, many years after he left office. More recently, former prime ministers like David Cameron and Theresa May have accepted life peerages. Others, like Edward Heath and John Major, were appointed to the Order of the Garter.
Activities After Leaving Office
There are no set jobs for former prime ministers. What they do depends on their own choices. In the past, many wealthy prime ministers simply retired to their country homes. Some, like Robert Walpole, became very rich while in office. Others, like William Pitt the Younger, had large debts that Parliament later paid off. Since 1937, former prime ministers have received an official pension.
Many former prime ministers write books about their time in office. Some also write non-political books. For example, Winston Churchill wrote histories of World War II. Edward Heath wrote about sailing and music. Benjamin Disraeli wrote many popular novels.
In recent times, many former prime ministers have started their own foundations or charities. These allow them to stay involved in political and public issues. Margaret Thatcher started her own foundation in 1991 to promote her ideas. Tony Blair has set up foundations for sports and inter-faith work. He also took on a big international role as an envoy for the Middle East.
Some former prime ministers have even returned to serve in the governments of their successors. For example, the Duke of Wellington served in two governments after being prime minister himself. Arthur Balfour became Foreign Secretary after his time as prime minister. Neville Chamberlain served in Winston Churchill's war cabinet after resigning as prime minister.
Public Duty Costs Allowance (PDCA)
Former prime ministers can claim money for office expenses related to their public duties. This allowance cannot be used for personal or parliamentary work. It is managed by the Cabinet Office.
The maximum amount they can claim is £115,000 per year, plus money for staff pensions. This limit is reviewed each year. If a former prime minister gets public money for other jobs, this allowance might be reduced. For example, David Cameron did not claim from this allowance when he became Foreign Secretary in 2023.
Images for kids
-
Two armed police officers stand guard in 2009 at the entrance to 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister.
-
10 Downing Street, the official place of residence of the prime minister
-
Chequers, used by the prime minister as a country retreat
-
Queen Elizabeth II receiving Prime Minister Tony Blair after winning a third term in office on 6 May 2005
-
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces his resignation outside 10 Downing Street, 5 July 2024.
-
The Duke of Wellington (on the left) served in the government of his successor, Robert Peel (on the right), twice.
-
Eight former prime ministers seen together in 2024 – first row Blair and Major, second row Cameron and Brown, third Johnson and May, fourth Sunak and Truss
.jpg)
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Primer ministro del Reino Unido para niños
Lists of Prime Ministers
- Timeline of prime ministers of Great Britain and the United Kingdom
- List of prime ministers of the United Kingdom
- List of prime ministers of the United Kingdom by length of tenure
- List of prime ministers of the United Kingdom by age
- List of prime ministers of the United Kingdom by education
- List of current heads of government in the United Kingdom and dependencies
- List of fictional prime ministers of the United Kingdom
- List of peerages held by prime ministers of the United Kingdom
- List of United Kingdom Parliament constituencies represented by sitting prime ministers
- Historical rankings of prime ministers of the United Kingdom
All lists: Category:Lists of prime ministers of the United Kingdom
Other Related Pages
- Air transport of the Royal Family and Government of the United Kingdom
- Spouse of the prime minister of the United Kingdom
- Records of prime ministers of the United Kingdom
- Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
- Cultural depictions of prime ministers of the United Kingdom
- List of things named after prime ministers of the United Kingdom
- List of nicknames of prime ministers of the United Kingdom
- Category:Books written by prime ministers of the United Kingdom
- Armorial of prime ministers of the United Kingdom
- List of burial places of prime ministers of the United Kingdom
More related pages: Category:Prime ministers of the United Kingdom
