What is the role of the Prime Minister?
The Prime Minister (PM) is the head of the UK Government. Usually the leader of the largest party in a government or the leader of the party who wins an election. The Prime Minister is officially appointed by the monarch.
The PM has several roles including:
- deciding the direction and priorities of the UK Government
- overseeing the work of government agencies and the civil service
- selecting cabinet ministers and other members of the government
- chairing meetings of the cabinet
- representing the UK at home and abroad
UK Government
Cabinet ministers are senior MPs who have responsibility for running a government department such as defence or international development. There is a minister for Scotland titled the Secretary of State for Scotland.
The PM and their cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to their respective parliaments. They are expected to appear before parliament each week and answer questions from MPs.
One way the Prime Minister is held to account is at Prime Minister鈥檚 Questions (PMQs). PMQs takes place every Wednesday at midday.
Who is the current Prime Minister?
In July 2024, the UK General Election resulted in a clear majority for Labour.
As leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer was appointed Prime Minister by the King.
Keir Starmer is the UK's first Labour Prime Minister for 14 years, taking over from Conservative Rishi Sunak.
Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister after the resignation of Liz Truss in October 2022.
Although Rishi Sunak was not appointed as Prime Minister following a general election with public voting, as leader of the Conservative Party, which held a majority of seats in the House of Commons, he took on the role of Prime Minister.