Spouse of the prime minister of the United Kingdom

Hostess of 10 Downing Street

The spouse of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is the wife or husband of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Spouse of the prime minister of the United Kingdom
Incumbent
Akshata Murty

since 25 October 2022
Residence10 Downing Street (customary)
Formation3 April 1721 (302 years ago) (1721-04-03)
First holderCatherine, Lady Walpole

History change

There have been forty-four women and three men who have been married to British prime ministers in office. There have also been four bachelor and nine widower prime ministers; the last bachelor was Edward Heath (1970–1974) and the last widower was Ramsay MacDonald (1924, 1929–1935).

The Duke of Grafton (1766–1768) is the only Prime Minister to have divorced and remarried while in office, while Boris Johnson was the only one to have a de jure spouse in Marina Wheeler, due to their separation in 2018. Johnson eventually married Carrie Johnson in 2021. They were the first unmarried couple to live in Downing Street before their marriage.

Role change

The role of the British prime minister's spouse is not an official office and are not given a salary or official duties. Over time the position has evolved. Cherie Blair, have gained public attention through their own independent careers and achievements, as well as attending engagements such as the African First Ladies Summit.[1]

Living former spouses change

There are currently seven living spouses of former prime ministers:

Spouse Prime Minister Tenure Date of birth Longevity
Dame Norma Major John Major 1990–1997 (1942-02-12)12 February 1942 82 years, 43 days
Cherie Blair Tony Blair 1997–2007 (1954-09-23)23 September 1954 69 years, 185 days
Sarah Brown Gordon Brown 2007–2010 (1963-10-31)31 October 1963 60 years, 147 days
Samantha Cameron David Cameron 2010–2016 (1971-04-18)18 April 1971 52 years, 343 days
Sir Philip May Theresa May 2016–2019 (1957-09-18)18 September 1957 66 years, 190 days
Marina Wheeler Boris Johnson 2019–2020 (1964-08-18)18 August 1964 59 years, 221 days
Carrie Johnson 2021–2022 (1988-03-17)17 March 1988 36 years, 9 days
Hugh O'Leary Liz Truss 2022 July 1974 49 years, 269 days

References change

  1. Mwanzi, Josephat (2 July 2013). "The first ladies club: Obama and Bush share stage in Africa". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 January 2014.