Spouse of the prime minister of the United Kingdom
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 | |
|---|---|
| Residence | 10 Downing Street (customary) |
| Formation | 3 April 1721 |
| First holder | Catherine, Lady Walpole |
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History
changeThere 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
changeThe 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
changeThere are currently seven living spouses of former prime ministers:
| Spouse | Prime Minister | Tenure | Date of birth | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dame Norma Major | John Major | 1990–1997 | 12 February 1942 | 82 years, 318 days |
| Cherie Blair | Tony Blair | 1997–2007 | 23 September 1954 | 70 years, 94 days |
| Sarah Brown | Gordon Brown | 2007–2010 | 31 October 1963 | 61 years, 56 days |
| Samantha Cameron | David Cameron | 2010–2016 | 18 April 1971 | 53 years, 252 days |
| Sir Philip May | Theresa May | 2016–2019 | 18 September 1957 | 67 years, 99 days |
| Marina Wheeler | Boris Johnson | 2019–2020 | 18 August 1964 | 60 years, 130 days |
| Carrie Johnson | 2021–2022 | 17 March 1988 | 36 years, 284 days | |
| Hugh O'Leary | Liz Truss | 2022 | 19 July 1974 | 50 years, 160 days |
| Akshata Murty | Rishi Sunak | 2022–2024 | 25 April 1985 | 39 years, 245 days |
References
change- ↑ Mwanzi, Josephat (2 July 2013). "The first ladies club: Obama and Bush share stage in Africa". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
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