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Prime Ministers

This briefing lists the Prime Ministers who have served in the United Kingdom since 1721.

Since 1945, the UK has had 19 Prime Ministers.

Twelve of those first took office between general elections (including Winston Churchill in 1940). Five of these continued in office following an election while they were Prime Minister and one, Winston Churchill, became Prime Minister for a second time after a period in Opposition.

The other seven first entered office after a general election (one of these, Harold Wilson, became Prime Minister again, after a period in Opposition).

The table overleaf show when they came to office and all general elections, whether or not the Prime Minister changed as a result of the general election.

This briefing also notes debate and discussion that took place in the House of Commons, and the media, when the Prime Minister changed during the course of a Parliament, rather than at a general election, since 1900.

Finally, it lists the locations of Prime Ministerial papers, where known.

The Commons Library research briefing, How is a Prime Minister appointed? describes what happens when one Prime Minister resigns and their successor is appointed.