Prime Minister
Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, and Minister for the Union
The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP
Biography
Boris Johnson became Prime Minister on 24 July 2019. He was previously Foreign Secretary from 13 July 2016 to 9 July 2018. He was elected Conservative MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip in May 2015. Previously he was the MP for Henley from June 2001 to June 2008.
Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the leader of Her 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
As Minister for the Union, the Prime Minister works to ensure that all of government is acting on behalf of the entire United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
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 Her 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
Minister for the Civil Service
The Minister for the Civil Service is responsible for regulating the Civil Service.
The Civil Service (Management Functions) Act of 1992, allows the Minister for the Civil Service to delegate power to other ministers and devolved administrations.
This role was created in 1968 and is always held by the Prime Minister.
Minister for the Union
As Minister for the Union, the Prime Minister works to ensure that all of government is acting on behalf of the entire United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Cabinet Office and Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street