The office of Prime Minister has shaped the political landscape of the United Kingdom for over 300 years. From Sir Robert Walpole’s appointment in 1721 to Rishi Sunak’s current leadership in 2025, these individuals have led the country through wars, social reforms, economic crises, and transformative policy shifts. Understanding who held this role—and when—provides insight into the political, economic, and historical evolution of the UK.
The first recognised Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, held office from 1721 to 1742 and is considered the longest-serving Prime Minister in British history. He was followed by Lord Wilmington, Henry Pelham, and the Duke of Newcastle. Throughout the 18th century, other notable leaders included William Pitt the Elder, George Grenville, and Lord North, who was in power during the American War of Independence.
William Pitt the Younger, son of Pitt the Elder, became Prime Minister in 1783 at the age of just 24 and served two terms. The early 19th century featured figures like Henry Addington, Lord Liverpool, George Canning, and the Duke of Wellington, reflecting a turbulent period of European conflict and internal reform.
This era saw the emergence of two dominant figures: Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone. Disraeli, a Conservative, served twice and played a key role in British imperial expansion. Gladstone, his Liberal rival, also served four terms, introducing significant reforms including education and electoral change. Other Prime Ministers during this period included Lord John Russell, Lord Palmerston, and Lord Salisbury.
In the early 20th century, Arthur Balfour, Henry Campbell-Bannerman, and H. H. Asquith led the country during times of political reform and growing international tension. David Lloyd George became Prime Minister in 1916 during the First World War and remained in office until 1922.
The interwar years included Conservative leaders like Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain, who infamously pursued a policy of appeasement. In 1940, Winston Churchill became Prime Minister, leading Britain through the Second World War and returning for a second term from 1951 to 1955.
Clement Attlee, serving from 1945 to 1951, was responsible for establishing the NHS and the modern welfare state. His successors included Anthony Eden, Harold Macmillan, and Alec Douglas-Home. The 1960s and 70s were marked by alternating leadership between Labour’s Harold Wilson and the Conservatives’ Edward Heath.
James Callaghan served from 1976 to 1979 before Margaret Thatcher, the UK’s first female Prime Minister, took office. Her tenure from 1979 to 1990 brought sweeping economic reforms and a polarising legacy. John Major followed her as Conservative Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997.
Tony Blair led the Labour Party to three successive election victories from 1997 to 2007, followed by Gordon Brown until 2010. David Cameron became Prime Minister in 2010, forming the UK’s first coalition government since World War II. After the 2016 Brexit referendum, Cameron resigned and was succeeded by Theresa May.
Boris Johnson became Prime Minister in 2019, delivering Brexit and leading through the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Liz Truss briefly held the position before Rishi Sunak took office later that year. As of 2025, Sunak continues to serve as the UK’s current Prime Minister.
The history of UK Prime Ministers reflects the shifting political, economic, and social tides of the nation. From war leaders and reformers to modern technocrats and political strategists, each Prime Minister has shaped the nation in distinct ways. At Fraser Bond, we understand the influence of political leadership on real estate, taxation, and investment, helping our clients make informed decisions in an ever-changing landscape.
