From becoming queen on 6 February 1952, Elizabeth II was head of state of 32 independent states; at the time of her death, there were 15 states, called Commonwealth realms. Within the Westminster system in each realm, the Queen's government was headed by a prime minister. Appointment and dismissal of prime ministers were common reserve powers that could be exercised by Elizabeth or her governors-general.
Elizabeth had 179 individuals serve as her realms' prime ministers throughout her reign, the first new appointment being Dudley Senanayake as Prime Minister of Ceylon and the final being Liz Truss as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, whom she appointed only two days before her death; some of these individuals served multiple non-consecutive terms in office (within the same state) as prime minister. Several of her prime ministers from various realms were appointed for life to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.
This list does not cover Commonwealth nations that were not Commonwealth realms at any point during Elizabeth's reign, nor holders of offices of prime minister in colonies or sub-national entities such as states or provinces.
List of prime ministers
Antigua and Barbuda
Main article: List of prime ministers of Antigua and BarbudaAntigua and Barbuda became independent on 1 November 1981 with Vere Bird as the first prime minister. Bird had previously been Premier of Antigua.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Vere Bird | 1910–1999 | 1 November 1981 | 9 March 1994 | |
2 | Lester Bird | 1938–2021 | 9 March 1994 | 24 August 2004 | |
3 | Baldwin Spencer | b. 1948 | 24 August 2004 | 13 June 2014 | |
4 | Gaston Browne | b. 1967 | 13 June 2014 | Incumbent |
Reference
Australia
Main article: List of prime ministers of AustraliaRobert Menzies was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Robert Menzies | 1894–1978 | 19 December 1949 | 26 January 1966 | |
2 | Harold Holt | 1908–1967 | 26 January 1966 | 19 December 1967 | |
3 | John McEwen | 1900–1980 | 19 December 1967 | 10 January 1968 | |
4 | John Gorton | 1911–2002 | 10 January 1968 | 10 March 1971 | |
5 | William McMahon | 1908–1988 | 10 March 1971 | 5 December 1972 | |
6 | Gough Whitlam | 1916–2014 | 5 December 1972 | 11 November 1975 | |
7 | Malcolm Fraser | 1930–2015 | 11 November 1975 | 11 March 1983 | |
8 | Bob Hawke | 1929–2019 | 11 March 1983 | 20 December 1991 | |
9 | Paul Keating | b. 1944 | 20 December 1991 | 11 March 1996 | |
10 | John Howard | b. 1939 | 11 March 1996 | 3 December 2007 | |
11 | Kevin Rudd | b. 1957 | 3 December 2007 | 24 June 2010 | |
12 | Julia Gillard | b. 1961 | 24 June 2010 | 27 June 2013 | |
(11) | Kevin Rudd | b. 1957 | 27 June 2013 | 18 September 2013 | |
13 | Tony Abbott | b. 1957 | 18 September 2013 | 15 September 2015 | |
14 | Malcolm Turnbull | b. 1954 | 15 September 2015 | 24 August 2018 | |
15 | Scott Morrison | b. 1968 | 24 August 2018 | 23 May 2022 | |
16 | Anthony Albanese | b. 1963 | 23 May 2022 | Incumbent |
Reference
The Bahamas
Main article: List of prime ministers of the BahamasThe Bahamas became independent on 10 July 1973 with Lynden Pindling as the first prime minister. Pindling had previously been the prime minister of the self-governing Commonwealth of the Bahama Islands.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Lynden Pindling | 1930–2000 | 10 July 1973 | 21 August 1992 | |
2 | Hubert Ingraham | b. 1947 | 21 August 1992 | 3 May 2002 | |
3 | Perry Christie | b. 1943 | 3 May 2002 | 4 May 2007 | |
(2) | Hubert Ingraham | b. 1947 | 4 May 2007 | 8 May 2012 | |
(3) | Perry Christie | b. 1943 | 8 May 2012 | 11 May 2017 | |
4 | Hubert Minnis | b. 1954 | 11 May 2017 | 17 September 2021 | |
5 | Philip Davis | b. 1951 | 17 September 2021 | Incumbent |
Reference
Barbados
Main article: List of prime ministers of BarbadosBarbados became independent on 30 November 1966 with Errol Barrow as the first prime minister. Barrow had previously been Premier of Barbados.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Errol Barrow | 1920–1987 | 30 November 1966 | 8 September 1976 | |
2 | Tom Adams | 1931–1985 | 8 September 1976 | 11 March 1985 | |
3 | Harold Bernard St. John | 1931–2004 | 11 March 1985 | 29 May 1986 | |
(1) | Errol Barrow | 1920–1987 | 29 May 1986 | 1 June 1987 | |
4 | Lloyd Erskine Sandiford | 1937–2023 | 1 June 1987 | 7 September 1994 | |
5 | Owen Arthur | 1945–2020 | 7 September 1994 | 16 January 2008 | |
6 | David Thompson | 1961–2010 | 16 January 2008 | 23 October 2010 | |
7 | Freundel Stuart | b. 1951 | 23 October 2010 | 25 May 2018 | |
8 | Mia Mottley | b. 1965 | 25 May 2018 | Incumbent |
Reference
Barbados abolished the monarchy on 30 November 2021. Mottley remained in office as the republic's first prime minister.
Belize
Main article: List of prime ministers of BelizeBelize became independent on 21 September 1981 with George Cadle Price as the first prime minister. Price had previously been Premier of Belize.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | George Cadle Price | 1919–2011 | 21 September 1981 | 17 December 1984 | |
2 | Manuel Esquivel | 1940–2022 | 17 December 1984 | 7 November 1989 | |
(1) | George Cadle Price | 1919–2011 | 7 November 1989 | 3 July 1993 | |
(2) | Manuel Esquivel | 1940–2022 | 3 July 1993 | 28 August 1998 | |
3 | Said Musa | b. 1944 | 28 August 1998 | 8 February 2008 | |
4 | Dean Barrow | b. 1951 | 8 February 2008 | 12 November 2020 | |
5 | Johnny Briceño | b. 1960 | 12 November 2020 | Incumbent |
Reference
Canada
Main article: List of prime ministers of CanadaLouis St. Laurent was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Louis St. Laurent | 1882–1973 | 15 November 1948 | 21 June 1957 | |
2 | John Diefenbaker | 1895–1979 | 21 June 1957 | 22 April 1963 | |
3 | Lester B. Pearson | 1897–1972 | 22 April 1963 | 20 April 1968 | |
4 | Pierre Trudeau | 1919–2000 | 20 April 1968 | 4 June 1979 | |
5 | Joe Clark | b. 1939 | 4 June 1979 | 3 March 1980 | |
(4) | Pierre Trudeau | 1919–2000 | 3 March 1980 | 30 June 1984 | |
6 | John Turner | 1929–2020 | 30 June 1984 | 17 September 1984 | |
7 | Brian Mulroney | 1939–2024 | 17 September 1984 | 25 June 1993 | |
8 | Kim Campbell | b. 1947 | 25 June 1993 | 4 November 1993 | |
9 | Jean Chrétien | b. 1934 | 4 November 1993 | 12 December 2003 | |
10 | Paul Martin | b. 1938 | 12 December 2003 | 6 February 2006 | |
11 | Stephen Harper | b. 1959 | 6 February 2006 | 4 November 2015 | |
12 | Justin Trudeau | b. 1971 | 4 November 2015 | Incumbent |
Reference
Ceylon
Main article: List of prime ministers of Sri LankaD. S. Senanayake was the incumbent prime minister of Ceylon when Elizabeth became queen.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | D. S. Senanayake | 1883–1952 | 24 September 1947 | 22 March 1952 | |
2 | Dudley Senanayake | 1911–1973 | 26 March 1952 | 12 October 1953 | |
3 | John Kotelawala | 1895–1980 | 12 October 1953 | 12 April 1956 | |
4 | S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike | 1899–1959 | 12 April 1956 | 26 September 1959 | |
5 | Wijeyananda Dahanayake | 1901–1997 | 26 September 1959 | 20 March 1960 | |
(2) | Dudley Senanayake | 1911–1973 | 21 March 1960 | 21 July 1960 | |
6 | Sirimavo Bandaranaike | 1916–2000 | 21 July 1960 | 27 March 1965 | |
(2) | Dudley Senanayake | 1911–1973 | 27 March 1965 | 29 May 1970 | |
(6) | Sirimavo Bandaranaike | 1916–2000 | 29 May 1970 | 23 July 1977 |
Reference
Ceylon abolished the monarchy on 22 May 1972 and became the Republic of Sri Lanka. Bandaranaike remained in office as the republic's first prime minister until 23 July 1977.
Fiji
Main article: List of prime ministers of FijiFiji became independent on 10 October 1970 with Kamisese Mara as the first prime minister. Mara had previously been Chief Minister of Fiji.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Kamisese Mara | 1920–2004 | 10 October 1970 | 13 April 1987 | |
2 | Timoci Bavadra | 1934–1989 | 13 April 1987 | 14 May 1987 |
Reference
Following the 1987 Fijian coups d'état (which resulted in a vacancy in the premiership until December 1987), on 7 October 1987, the new ruling regime declared the nation to have become the Republic of Fiji. Fiji's relationship with the monarchy after this transition is complex (see Monarchy of Fiji).
Gambia
Main article: List of prime ministers of the GambiaThe Gambia became independent on 18 February 1965 with Dawda Jawara as the first prime minister. Jawara had previously been prime minister of the self-governing Gambia.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Dawda Jawara | 1924–2019 | 6 March 1965 | 24 April 1970 |
Reference
The Gambia abolished the monarchy on 24 April 1970, via referendum. Jawara became President of the Gambia on the same day as the post of prime minister was abolished.
Ghana
Main article: List of prime ministers of GhanaGhana became independent on 15 August 1957, with Kwame Nkrumah as its first prime minister. Nkrumah had previously been prime minister of the self-governing Gold Coast.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Kwame Nkrumah | 1909–1972 | 15 August 1957 | 1 July 1960 |
Reference
Ghana abolished the monarchy on 1 July 1960, via referendum. Nkrumah became President of Ghana on the same day as the post of prime minister was abolished.
Grenada
Main article: List of heads of government of GrenadaGrenada became independent on 7 February 1974 with Eric Gairy as the first prime minister. Gairy had previously been Premier of Grenada.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Eric Gairy | 1922–1997 | 7 February 1974 | 13 March 1979 | |
2 | Maurice Bishop see § Grenada (1979–1984) |
1944–1983 | 13 March 1979 | 19 October 1983 | |
3 | Herbert Blaize | 1918–1989 | 4 December 1984 | 19 December 1989 | |
4 | Ben Jones | 1924–2005 | 19 December 1989 | 16 March 1990 | |
5 | Nicholas Brathwaite | 1925–2016 | 16 March 1990 | 1 February 1995 | |
6 | George Brizan | 1942–2012 | 1 February 1995 | 22 June 1995 | |
7 | Keith Mitchell | b. 1946 | 22 June 1995 | 9 July 2008 | |
8 | Tillman Thomas | b. 1947 | 9 July 2008 | 20 February 2013 | |
(7) | Keith Mitchell | b. 1946 | 20 February 2013 | 24 June 2022 | |
9 | Dickon Mitchell | b. 1978 | 24 June 2022 | Incumbent |
Reference
Guyana
Main article: List of prime ministers of GuyanaGuyana became independent on 26 May 1966, with Forbes Burnham as its first prime minister. Burnham had previously been Premier of British Guiana.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Forbes Burnham | 1923–1985 | 26 May 1966 | 6 October 1980 |
Reference
Guyana abolished the monarchy on 23 February 1970. Burnham remained in office as the republic's first prime minister until 6 October 1980.
Jamaica
Main article: List of prime ministers of JamaicaJamaica became independent on 6 August 1962 with Alexander Bustamante as the first prime minister. Bustamante had previously been Premier of Jamaica.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Alexander Bustamante | 1884–1977 | 6 August 1962 | 23 February 1967 | |
2 | Donald Sangster | 1911–1967 | 23 February 1967 | 11 April 1967 | |
3 | Hugh Shearer | 1923–2004 | 11 April 1967 | 2 March 1972 | |
4 | Michael Manley | 1924–1997 | 2 March 1972 | 1 November 1980 | |
5 | Edward Seaga | 1930–2019 | 1 November 1980 | 10 February 1989 | |
(4) | Michael Manley | 1924–1997 | 10 February 1989 | 30 March 1992 | |
6 | P. J. Patterson | b. 1935 | 30 March 1992 | 30 March 2006 | |
7 | Portia Simpson-Miller | b. 1945 | 30 March 2006 | 11 September 2007 | |
8 | Bruce Golding | b. 1947 | 11 September 2007 | 23 October 2011 | |
9 | Andrew Holness | b. 1972 | 23 October 2011 | 5 January 2012 | |
(7) | Portia Simpson-Miller | b. 1945 | 5 January 2012 | 3 March 2016 | |
(9) | Andrew Holness | b. 1972 | 3 March 2016 | Incumbent |
Reference
Kenya
Main article: List of prime ministers of KenyaKenya became independent on 12 December 1963, with Jomo Kenyatta becoming the first prime minister. Kenyatta had previously been prime minister of self-governing Kenya.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Jomo Kenyatta | 1891–1978 | 12 December 1963 | 12 December 1964 |
Reference
Kenya abolished the monarchy on 12 December 1964. Kenyatta became President of Kenya as the post of prime minister was abolished.
Malawi
Main article: List of prime ministers of MalawiMalawi became independent on 6 July 1964, with Hastings Banda as prime minister. Banda had previously been prime minister of self-governing Nyasaland.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Hastings Banda | 1898–1997 | 6 July 1964 | 6 July 1966 |
Reference
Malawi abolished the monarchy on 6 July 1966. Banda became President of Malawi as the post of prime minister was abolished.
Malta
Main article: List of prime ministers of MaltaThe Crown Colony of Malta became independent as the State of Malta on 21 September 1964 with George Borg Olivier as prime minister. Olivier had previously been the colony's prime minister.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | George Borg Olivier | 1911–1980 | 21 September 1964 | 21 June 1971 | |
2 | Dom Mintoff | 1916–2012 | 21 June 1971 | 22 December 1984 |
Reference
Malta abolished the monarchy on 13 December 1974 and became the current Republic of Malta, a republic within the Commonwealth. Mintoff remained in office as the republic's first prime minister until 22 December 1984.
Mauritius
Main article: List of prime ministers of MauritiusMauritius became independent on 12 March 1968, with Seewoosagur Ramgoolam becoming the first prime minister. Ramgoolam had previously been Chief Minister of Mauritius.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Seewoosagur Ramgoolam | 1900–1985 | 12 March 1968 | 30 June 1982 | |
2 | Anerood Jugnauth | 1930–2021 | 30 June 1982 | 15 December 1995 |
Reference
Mauritius abolished the monarchy on 12 March 1992. Jugnauth remained in office as the republic's prime minister until 15 December 1995.
New Zealand
Main article: List of prime ministers of New ZealandSidney Holland was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Sidney Holland | 1893–1961 | 13 December 1949 | 20 September 1957 | |
2 | Keith Holyoake | 1904–1983 | 20 September 1957 | 12 December 1957 | |
3 | Walter Nash | 1882–1968 | 12 December 1957 | 12 December 1960 | |
(2) | Keith Holyoake | 1904–1983 | 12 December 1960 | 7 February 1972 | |
4 | Jack Marshall | 1912–1988 | 7 February 1972 | 8 December 1972 | |
5 | Norman Kirk | 1923–1974 | 8 December 1972 | 31 August 1974† | |
— | Hugh Watt Acting prime minister |
1912–1980 | 31 August 1974 | 6 September 1974 | |
6 | Bill Rowling | 1927–1995 | 6 September 1974 | 12 December 1975 | |
7 | Robert Muldoon | 1921–1992 | 12 December 1975 | 26 July 1984 | |
8 | David Lange | 1942–2005 | 26 July 1984 | 8 August 1989 | |
9 | Geoffrey Palmer | b. 1942 | 8 August 1989 | 4 September 1990 | |
10 | Mike Moore | 1949–2020 | 4 September 1990 | 2 November 1990 | |
11 | Jim Bolger | b. 1935 | 2 November 1990 | 8 December 1997 | |
12 | Jenny Shipley | b. 1952 | 8 December 1997 | 5 December 1999 | |
13 | Helen Clark | b. 1950 | 5 December 1999 | 19 November 2008 | |
14 | John Key | b. 1961 | 19 November 2008 | 12 December 2016 | |
15 | Bill English | b. 1961 | 12 December 2016 | 26 October 2017 | |
16 | Jacinda Ardern | b. 1980 | 26 October 2017 | 25 January 2023 |
Reference
Nigeria
Main article: List of prime ministers of NigeriaThe Federation of Nigeria became independent on 1 October 1960, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa becoming the first prime minister. Balewa had previously been Chief Minister of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Abubakar Tafawa Balewa | 1912–1966 | 1 October 1960 | 15 January 1966 |
Reference
Nigeria became the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 1 October 1963. Balewa remained in office as the republic's prime minister until his overthrow and assassination in the 1966 Nigerian coup d'état on 15 January 1966.
Pakistan
Main article: List of prime ministers of PakistanKhawaja Nazimuddin was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Khawaja Nazimuddin | 1894–1964 | 17 October 1951 | 17 April 1953 | |
2 | Mohammad Ali Bogra | 1909–1963 | 17 April 1953 | 12 August 1955 | |
3 | Chaudhry Muhammad Ali | 1905–1982 | 12 August 1955 | 12 September 1956 |
Reference
Pakistan abolished the monarchy on 23 March 1956. Ali remained in office as the republic's first prime minister until 12 September 1956.
Papua New Guinea
Main article: List of prime ministers of Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea became independent on 16 September 1975 with Michael Somare as the first prime minister. Somare had previously been Chief Minister of Papua New Guinea.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Michael Somare | 1936–2021 | 16 September 1975 | 11 March 1980 | |
2 | Julius Chan | b. 1939 | 11 March 1980 | 2 August 1982 | |
(1) | Michael Somare | 1936–2021 | 2 August 1982 | 21 November 1985 | |
3 | Paias Wingti | b. 1951 | 21 November 1985 | 4 July 1988 | |
4 | Rabbie Namaliu | b. 1947 | 4 July 1988 | 17 July 1992 | |
(3) | Paias Wingti | b. 1951 | 17 July 1992 | 30 August 1994 | |
(2) | Julius Chan | b. 1939 | 30 August 1994 | 27 March 1997 | |
— | John Giheno Acting prime minister |
1950–2017 | 27 March 1997 | 2 June 1997 | |
(2) | Julius Chan | b. 1939 | 2 June 1997 | 22 July 1997 | |
5 | Bill Skate | 1953–2006 | 22 July 1997 | 14 July 1999 | |
6 | Mekere Morauta | 1946–2020 | 14 July 1999 | 5 August 2002 | |
(1) | Michael Somare | 1936–2021 | 5 August 2002 | 2 August 2011 / 3 August 2012 | |
7 | Peter O'Neill | b. 1965 | 2 August 2011 / 3 August 2012 | 30 May 2019 | |
8 | James Marape | b. 1971 | 30 May 2019 | Incumbent |
Reference
Rhodesia
See § Rhodesia (1965–1970) below.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Main article: List of prime ministers of Saint Kitts and NevisSaint Kitts and Nevis became independent on 19 September 1983 with Kennedy Simmonds as the first prime minister. Simmonds had previously been Premier of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Kennedy Simmonds | b. 1936 | 19 September 1983 | 7 July 1995 | |
2 | Denzil Douglas | b. 1953 | 7 July 1995 | 18 February 2015 | |
3 | Timothy Harris | b. 1964 | 18 February 2015 | 6 August 2022 | |
4 | Terrance Drew | b. 1976 | 6 August 2022 | Incumbent |
Reference
Saint Lucia
Main article: List of prime ministers of Saint LuciaSaint Lucia became independent on 22 February 1979 with John Compton as the first prime minister. Compton had previously been Premier of Saint Lucia.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | John Compton | 1925–2007 | 22 February 1979 | 2 July 1979 | |
2 | Allan Louisy | 1916–2011 | 2 July 1979 | 4 May 1981 | |
3 | Winston Cenac | 1925–2004 | 4 May 1981 | 17 January 1982 | |
— | Michael Pilgrim Acting prime minister |
b. 1947 | 17 January 1982 | 3 May 1982 | |
(1) | John Compton | 1925–2007 | 3 May 1982 | 2 April 1996 | |
4 | Vaughan Lewis | b. 1940 | 2 April 1996 | 24 May 1997 | |
5 | Kenny Anthony | b. 1951 | 24 May 1997 | 15 December 2006 | |
(1) | John Compton | 1925–2007 | 15 December 2006 | 7 September 2007 | |
6 | Stephenson King | b. 1958 | 7 September 2007 | 30 November 2011 | |
(5) | Kenny Anthony | b. 1951 | 30 November 2011 | 7 June 2016 | |
7 | Allen Chastanet | b. 1960 | 7 June 2016 | 28 July 2021 | |
8 | Philip Pierre | b. 1954 | 28 July 2021 | Incumbent |
Reference
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Main article: List of prime ministers of Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesSaint Vincent and the Grenadines became independent on 27 October 1979 with Milton Cato as the first prime minister. Cato had previously been Premier of Saint Vincent.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Milton Cato | 1915–1997 | 27 October 1979 | 30 July 1984 | |
2 | James Fitz-Allen Mitchell | 1931–2021 | 30 July 1984 | 27 October 2000 | |
3 | Arnhim Eustace | b. 1944 | 27 October 2000 | 29 March 2001 | |
4 | Ralph Gonsalves | b. 1946 | 29 March 2001 | Incumbent |
Reference
Sierra Leone
Main article: List of heads of government of Sierra LeoneSierra Leone became independent on 27 April 1961, with Milton Margai as the first prime minister. Margai had previously been Prime Minister of the Protectorate of Sierra Leone.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Milton Margai | 1895–1964 | 27 April 1961 | 28 April 1964 | |
2 | Albert Margai | 1910–1980 | 28 April 1964 | 21 March 1967 | |
3 | Siaka Stevens | 1905–1988 | 28 April 1967 | 21 April 1971 |
Reference
Siaka Stevens assumed the role of prime minister following his party's narrow victory in the 1967 general election. However, immediately after taking office, Stevens was deposed by the National Reformation Council in a coup d'état and placed under house arrest. Military rule persisted until an April 1968 counter-coup restored Stevens' premiership.
Sierra Leone became the Republic of Sierra Leone on 19 April 1971. Stevens left the office of prime minister two days later and became President of Sierra Leone. The office of the prime minister was later abolished on 15 June 1978.
Solomon Islands
Main article: List of prime ministers of the Solomon IslandsThe Solomon Islands became independent on 7 July 1978 with Peter Kenilorea as the first prime minister.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Peter Kenilorea | 1943–2016 | 7 July 1978 | 31 August 1981 | |
2 | Solomon Mamaloni | 1943–2000 | 31 August 1981 | 19 November 1984 | |
(1) | Peter Kenilorea | 1943–2016 | 19 November 1984 | 1 December 1986 | |
3 | Ezekiel Alebua | 1947–2022 | 1 December 1986 | 28 March 1989 | |
(2) | Solomon Mamaloni | 1943–2000 | 28 March 1989 | 18 June 1993 | |
4 | Francis Billy Hilly | b. 1948 | 18 June 1993 | 7 November 1994 | |
(2) | Solomon Mamaloni | 1943–2000 | 7 November 1994 | 27 August 1997 | |
5 | Bartholomew Ulufa'alu | 1950–2007 | 27 August 1997 | 30 June 2000 | |
6 | Manasseh Sogavare | b. 1955 | 30 June 2000 | 17 December 2001 | |
7 | Allan Kemakeza | b. 1950 | 17 December 2001 | 20 April 2006 | |
8 | Snyder Rini | b. 1949 | 20 April 2006 | 4 May 2006 | |
(6) | Manasseh Sogavare | b. 1955 | 4 May 2006 | 20 December 2007 | |
9 | Derek Sikua | b. 1959 | 20 December 2007 | 25 August 2010 | |
10 | Danny Philip | b. 1953 | 25 August 2010 | 16 November 2011 | |
11 | Gordon Darcy Lilo | b. 1965 | 16 November 2011 | 9 December 2014 | |
(6) | Manasseh Sogavare | b. 1955 | 9 December 2014 | 15 November 2017 | |
12 | Rick Houenipwela | b. 1958 | 15 November 2017 | 24 April 2019 | |
(6) | Manasseh Sogavare | b. 1955 | 24 April 2019 | 2 May 2024 |
Reference
South Africa
Main article: List of prime ministers of South AfricaDaniel François Malan was the incumbent prime minister of the Union of South Africa when Elizabeth became queen.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Daniel François Malan | 1874–1959 | 4 June 1948 | 30 November 1954 | |
2 | Johannes Gerhardus Strijdom | 1893–1958 | 30 November 1954 | 24 August 1958 | |
3 | Hendrik Verwoerd | 1901–1966 | 24 August 1958 | 6 September 1966† |
Reference
Following a referendum, South Africa abolished the monarchy on 31 May 1961, becoming the Republic of South Africa. Verwoerd remained in office as the republic's first prime minister until his assassination on 6 September 1966.
Tanganyika
Main article: List of prime ministers of TanganyikaTanganyika became independent on 9 December 1961, with Julius Nyerere as its first prime minister. Nyerere had previously been the prime minister of self-governing Tanganyika.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Julius Nyerere | 1922–1999 | 9 December 1961 | 22 January 1962 | |
2 | Rashidi Kawawa | 1926–2009 | 22 January 1962 | 9 December 1962 |
Reference
Tanganyika abolished the monarchy on 9 December 1962. The post of prime minister was also abolished.
Trinidad and Tobago
Main article: List of prime ministers of Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago became independent on 31 August 1962, with Eric Williams as its first prime minister. Williams had previously been Chief Minister and Premier of Trinidad and Tobago.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Eric Williams | 1911–1981 | 31 August 1962 | 29 March 1981 |
Reference
Trinidad and Tobago abolished the monarchy on 1 August 1976. Williams remained in office as the republic's first prime minister until 29 March 1981.
Tuvalu
Main article: List of prime ministers of TuvaluTuvalu became independent on 1 October 1978 with Toaripi Lauti as the first prime minister. Lauti had previously been Chief Minister of Tuvalu.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Toaripi Lauti | 1928–2014 | 1 October 1978 | 8 September 1981 | |
2 | Tomasi Puapua | b. 1938 | 8 September 1981 | 16 October 1989 | |
3 | Bikenibeu Paeniu | b. 1956 | 16 October 1989 | 10 December 1993 | |
4 | Kamuta Latasi | b. 1936 | 10 December 1993 | 24 December 1996 | |
(3) | Bikenibeu Paeniu | b. 1956 | 24 December 1996 | 27 April 1999 | |
5 | Ionatana Ionatana | 1938–2000 | 27 April 1999 | 8 December 2000 | |
— | Lagitupu Tuilimu Acting prime minister |
— | 8 December 2000 | 24 February 2001 | |
6 | Faimalaga Luka | 1940–2005 | 24 February 2001 | 14 December 2001 | |
7 | Koloa Talake | 1934–2008 | 14 December 2001 | 24 August 2002 | |
8 | Saufatu Sopoanga | 1952–2020 | 24 August 2002 | 25 August 2004 | |
9 | Maatia Toafa | b. 1954 | 11 October 2004 | 14 August 2006 | |
10 | Apisai Ielemia | 1955–2018 | 14 August 2006 | 29 September 2010 | |
(9) | Maatia Toafa | b. 1954 | 29 September 2010 | 24 December 2010 | |
11 | Willy Telavi | b. 1954 | 24 December 2010 | 1 August 2013 | |
12 | Enele Sopoaga | b. 1956 | 5 August 2013 | 19 September 2019 | |
13 | Kausea Natano | b. 1957 | 19 September 2019 | 26 February 2024 |
Reference
Uganda
Main article: List of prime ministers of UgandaUganda became independent on 9 October 1962 with Milton Obote as the first prime minister. Obote had previously been the prime minister of self-governing Uganda.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Milton Obote | 1925–2005 | 9 October 1962 | 15 April 1966 |
Reference
Uganda abolished the monarchy on 9 October 1963. Obote remained in office as the republic's first prime minister until 15 April 1966.
United Kingdom
Main article: List of prime ministers of the United KingdomWinston Churchill was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen.
No | Portrait | Name | Lifespan | Tenure | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Took office | Left office | ||||
1 | Winston Churchill | 1874–1965 | 26 October 1951 | 5 April 1955 | |
2 | Anthony Eden | 1897–1977 | 6 April 1955 | 9 January 1957 | |
3 | Harold Macmillan | 1894–1986 | 10 January 1957 | 18 October 1963 | |
4 | Alec Douglas-Home | 1903–1995 | 19 October 1963 | 16 October 1964 | |
5 | Harold Wilson | 1916–1995 | 16 October 1964 | 19 June 1970 | |
6 | Edward Heath | 1916–2005 | 19 June 1970 | 4 March 1974 | |
(5) | Harold Wilson | 1916–1995 | 4 March 1974 | 5 April 1976 | |
7 | James Callaghan | 1912–2005 | 5 April 1976 | 4 May 1979 | |
8 | Margaret Thatcher | 1925–2013 | 4 May 1979 | 28 November 1990 | |
9 | John Major | b. 1943 | 28 November 1990 | 2 May 1997 | |
10 | Tony Blair | b. 1953 | 2 May 1997 | 27 June 2007 | |
11 | Gordon Brown | b. 1951 | 27 June 2007 | 11 May 2010 | |
12 | David Cameron | b. 1966 | 11 May 2010 | 13 July 2016 | |
13 | Theresa May | b. 1956 | 13 July 2016 | 24 July 2019 | |
14 | Boris Johnson | b. 1964 | 24 July 2019 | 6 September 2022 | |
15 | Liz Truss | b. 1975 | 6 September 2022 | 25 October 2022 |
Reference
Anomalous cases
Grenada (1979–1984)
Maurice Bishop held de facto government control for most of the People's Revolutionary Government period (from 13 March 1979 until 14 October 1983). On 14 October 1983 Bishop was deposed by Bernard Coard and Bishop was killed on 19 October. Coard held power only briefly before military government was declared. After the invasion of Grenada by the United States, the pre-revolutionary system of government and the office of Prime Minister were restored on 4 December 1984. The Grenadian government acknowledges Bishop as a former prime minister, but not Coard nor any other individual who held de facto or de jure power in this period.
Rhodesia (1965–1970)
Ian Smith was Prime Minister of Rhodesia following a unilateral declaration of independence on 11 November 1965. Although Rhodesia considered Elizabeth II to be Queen of Rhodesia, this title was not accepted by her. Acting in his vice-regal capacity and under direction from the UK government, the Governor of Southern Rhodesia, Humphrey Gibbs, dismissed the prime minister and his government but this action was ignored by Smith. The state remained unrecognised by the United Kingdom and the wider international community. Following a referendum, Rhodesia declared itself a republic on 2 March 1970. Smith remained in office throughout this period.
See also
Notes
- The occurrence of some anomalous cases means there is a small degree of ambiguity to this figure.
- After Christie suffered a stroke Cynthia A. Pratt served as acting prime minister from 4 May to 22 June 2005.
- Due to the Sandline affair, Chan resigned as prime minister on 27 March 1997 and Giheno took over as acting Prime Minister. He regained the position on 2 June 1997, shortly before being ousted in a general election.
- For two periods in this term of Somare's premiership Sam Abal was acting prime minister.
- See 2011–12 Papua New Guinean constitutional crisis for details on the dispute between Somare and O'Neill as to legitimately held the position of prime minister in this time. This period of ambiguity spans the time between the later-disputed dismissal of Somare from office and the implementation of the results of the 2012 general election.
- Tuilimu served as acting prime minister following the death of Ionatana.
- Telavi was removed from office on 1 August 2013. Sopoaga briefly served as acting prime minister before being sworn in as prime minister on 5 August 2013
- A constitutional change ended Elizabeth II's reign in Uganda on 9 October 1963 though Uganda did not formally use the term "Republic" until 1966.
References
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- Daniel Hall. "The Bahamas". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Barbados". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 14 February 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Belize". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Canada". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Fiji". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "The Gambia". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Ghana". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Grenada". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 5 November 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Guyana". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Jamaica". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Kenya". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Malawi". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Malta". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Mauritius". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "New Zealand". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
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- Daniel Hall. "Papua New Guinea". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Saint Kitts and Nevis". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 18 May 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Saint Lucia". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 13 June 2010. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Saint Vincent and the Grenadines". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 4 February 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Sierra Leone". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Keen, David (2005). Conflict and Collusion in Sierra Leone. Oxford: James Currey. ISBN 0-85255-883-X. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
- Daniel Hall. "Solomon Islands". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 24 January 2011. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "South Africa". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 10 November 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Tanganyika (now Tanzania)". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Trinidad and Tobago". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Tuvalu". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 27 July 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "Uganda". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- Daniel Hall. "United Kingdom". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- T., Englefield, Dermot J. (1995). Facts about the British prime ministers : a compilation of biographical and historical information. Seaton, Janet., White, Isobel. London: Mansell. ISBN 0720123062. OCLC 33043257.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - "Prime Ministers". Government of Grenada. Archived from the original on 13 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
- International Law Reports Archived 12 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine, Volume 52, E. Lauterpacht, Cambridge University Press, 1979, page 53
External links
- CIA list of world leaders (current and monthly historical archive: 2001–present)
- World Statesmen.org (directory of leaders)
- Rulers.org (directory of leaders)
- The queen and her 15 prime ministers
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List of prime ministers | |||
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