The Rt Hon Keir Starmer
Biography
Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister on 5 July 2024.
He was elected as the member for Holborn and St Pancras in May 2015. He was elected leader of the Labour Party in April 2020.
Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the leader of His Majesty’s Government and is ultimately responsible for the policy and decisions of the government.
As leader of the UK government the Prime Minister also:
- oversees the operation of the Civil Service and government agencies
- chooses members of the government
- is the principal government figure in the House of Commons
Cabinet Office and Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street
First Lord of the Treasury
The First Lord of the Treasury is one of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. This role is usually held by the Prime Minister.
Since the 17th century, the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have collectively carried out duties that were previously held by the Lord High Treasurer (head of His Majesty’s Treasury).
The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury also include:
- the Second Lord of the Treasury - the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has most of the functional financial responsibilities
- Junior Lords Commissioners of the Treasury - other members of the government, usually government whips in the House of Commons
10 Downing Street is the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury, and not of the Prime Minister.
Cabinet Office and Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street