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Chief Secretary to the Treasury facts for kids

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United Kingdom
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (HM Government) (2022).svg
Official portrait of Darren Jones crop 2.jpg
Incumbent
Darren Jones
since 5 July 2024
His Majesty's Treasury
Style The Right Honourable
Reports to Chancellor of the Exchequer
Prime Minister
Nominator Prime Minister
Appointer The Monarch
(on the advice of the Prime Minister)
Term length At His Majesty's pleasure
Formation 8 October 1961
First holder Henry Brooke
Salary £121,326 per annum (2022)
(including £86,584 MP salary)

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury is a very important job in the government of the United Kingdom. It is the second most senior role in the Treasury, which is the UK's economic and finance department. The person in this job works closely with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is the head of the Treasury.

This position was created in 1961. Its main purpose was to help the Chancellor manage the Treasury's many tasks. The Chief Secretary is also "shadowed" by a member of the opposition party. This person is called the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

What Does the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Do?

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has a big responsibility. They are in charge of how the government spends public money. This includes looking at all the different areas where money is spent. They also lead "spending reviews."

Spending reviews are like big check-ups on how government departments use their budgets. The Chief Secretary makes sure that money is spent wisely. They help decide where the government's money should go.

History of the Role

The job of Chief Secretary to the Treasury began on 8 October 1961. For many years, until 2015, the person holding this job was a full member of the Cabinet. The Cabinet is a group of the most senior ministers in the government.

This meant that the Treasury was the only government department with two Cabinet-level ministers. These were the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Chief Secretary. This shows how important the Treasury's work is for the country.

Images for kids

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  • Leon Brittan (1996) 02

    Leon Brittan served as Chief Secretary from 1981 to 1983.

  • Official portrait of Lord MacGregor of Pulham Market crop 2

    John MacGregor held the role from 1985 to 1987.

  • Prime Minister John Major (cropped)

    John Major was Chief Secretary from 1987 to 1989, before becoming Prime Minister.

  • Official portrait of Lord Lamont of Lerwick 2020 crop 2

    Norman Lamont served as Chief Secretary from 1989 to 1990.

  • Michael Portillo by Regents College cropped

    Michael Portillo was Chief Secretary from 1992 to 1994.

  • Official portrait of Lord Waldegrave of North Hill 2020 crop 2

    William Waldegrave held the position from 1995 to 1997.

  • AlistairDarlingABr cropped

    Alistair Darling was Chief Secretary from 1997 to 1998.

  • Alan Milburn

    Alan Milburn served as Chief Secretary from 1998 to 1999.

  • Andrew Smith MP 20050127

    Andrew Smith held the role from 1999 to 2002.

  • Official portrait of Lord Boateng, 2020

    Paul Boateng was Chief Secretary from 2002 to 2005.

  • Official portrait of Lord Browne of Ladyton crop 2, 2019

    Des Browne served as Chief Secretary from 2005 to 2006.

  • Official portrait of Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP crop 2

    Stephen Timms held the position from 2006 to 2007.

  • Andy Burnham2

    Andy Burnham was Chief Secretary from 2007 to 2008.

  • Official portrait of Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP crop 2

    Yvette Cooper served as Chief Secretary from 2008 to 2009.

  • Official portrait of Liam Byrne crop 2

    Liam Byrne held the role from 2009 to 2010.

  • David Laws Minister

    David Laws was Chief Secretary for a short period in 2010.

  • Danny alexander hi

    Danny Alexander served as Chief Secretary from 2010 to 2015.

  • Official portrait of Greg Hands crop 2

    Greg Hands held the position from 2015 to 2016.

  • Official portrait of Mr David Gauke crop 2

    David Gauke was Chief Secretary from 2016 to 2017.

  • Official portrait of Elizabeth Truss crop 2

    Liz Truss served as Chief Secretary from 2017 to 2019.

  • Official portrait of Rishi Sunak crop 2

    Rishi Sunak held the role from 2019 to 2020.

  • Official portrait of Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP crop 2

    Steve Barclay was Chief Secretary from 2020 to 2021.

  • Official portrait of Mr Simon Clarke MP crop 2

    Simon Clarke served as Chief Secretary from 2021 to 2022.

  • Official portrait of Chris Philp MP crop 2

    Chris Philp held the position in 2022.

  • Official portrait of Edward Argar MP crop 2

    Edward Argar was Chief Secretary in 2022.

  • Official portrait of John Glen MP crop 2

    John Glen served as Chief Secretary from 2022 to 2023.

  • Official portrait of Laura Trott MP crop 2

    Laura Trott held the role from 2023 to 2024.

  • Official portrait of Darren Jones crop 2

    Darren Jones is the current Chief Secretary to the Treasury as of July 2024.

See also

  • Secretary to the Treasury
  • Financial Secretary to the Treasury
  • Economic Secretary to the Treasury
  • Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury
  • Paymaster General
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