Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Incumbent
Oliver Dowden

since 21 April 2023
Government of the United Kingdom
StyleDeputy Prime Minister
(informal)
The Right Honourable
(within the UK and Commonwealth)
His Excellency
(diplomatic)
StatusSecond highest in executive branch
Member of
Reports toPrime Minister
ResidenceNone, may use Grace and favour residences
SeatWestminster, London
NominatorPrime Minister
AppointerThe Crown
(on the advice of the Prime Minister)
Term lengthNo fixed term
Formation19 February 1942; 82 years ago (1942-02-19)
First holderClement Attlee
Websitewww.gov.uk

The Deputy Prime Minister (or DPM) is, when appointed, the second highest ranking executive officer of the government of the United Kingdom. He or she would be the deputy chief of the Cabinet.

Unlike other countries, the position of Deputy Prime Minister is not always needed or appointed. The Prime Minister chooses whether or not they want to have a deputy.

The position was created in 1942: Clement Attlee was the first Deputy Prime Minister. The present holder of this position is Oliver Dowden from 21 April 2023. There have been times when the post has been very important. Its introduction in the Second World War is the most obvious case.

List of deputy prime ministers[change | change source]

References[change | change source]