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
Victoria, Lady Starmer

since 5 July 2024
Residence10 Downing Street (customary)
Formation3 April 1721 (303 years ago) (1721-04-03)
First holderCatherine, Lady Walpole

History

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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.

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

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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, 264 days
Cherie Blair Tony Blair 1997–2007 (1954-09-23)23 September 1954 70 years, 40 days
Sarah Brown Gordon Brown 2007–2010 (1963-10-31)31 October 1963 61 years, 2 days
Samantha Cameron David Cameron 2010–2016 (1971-04-18)18 April 1971 53 years, 198 days
Sir Philip May Theresa May 2016–2019 (1957-09-18)18 September 1957 67 years, 45 days
Marina Wheeler Boris Johnson 2019–2020 (1964-08-18)18 August 1964 60 years, 76 days
Carrie Johnson 2021–2022 (1988-03-17)17 March 1988 36 years, 230 days
Hugh O'Leary Liz Truss 2022 (1974-07-19)19 July 1974 50 years, 106 days
Akshata Murty Rishi Sunak 2022–2024 (1985-04-25)25 April 1985 39 years, 191 days

References

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