UK Head of Government: Prime Minister Role & Current Officeholder

United Kingdom's Executive Leadership

Head of Government: Prime Minister (PM)

Current PM (2024): Sir Keir Starmer (Labour Party), in office since July 5, 2024.

Role & Powers

• Leads Cabinet & sets government agenda
• Appoints ministers, senior civil servants, judges (on advice)
• Chairs National Security Council
• Represents UK internationally (with Foreign Secretary)
• Must maintain confidence of House of Commons

Distinction from Head of State

Monarch (King Charles III) = Head of State (ceremonial, constitutional)
Prime Minister = Head of Government (political, executive)

Constitutional Basis

Office exists by convention, not statute. PM is typically leader of majority party in Commons. Appointed by Monarch. Resides at 10 Downing Street.

Previous PM: Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Oct 2022 – Jul 2024).