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List of prime ministers of Elizabeth II facts for kids

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Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth Nations, at Windsor Castle (1960 Commonwealth Prime Minister's Conference)
Queen Elizabeth II with several of her prime ministers and other Commonwealth leaders at the 1960 Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference

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

Antigua 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 1986 (cropped).jpg Vere Bird 1910–1999 1 November 1981 9 March 1994
2 Former Prime Minister Honourable Lester B. Bird speak to the audience (cropped).jpg Lester Bird 1938–2021 9 March 1994 24 August 2004
3 BaldwinSpencer.jpg Baldwin Spencer b. 1948 24 August 2004 13 June 2014
4 10 06 2022 Segunda Sessão Plenária da IX Cúpula das Américas (52137201805) (cropped).jpg Gaston Browne b. 1967 13 June 2014 Incumbent

Reference

Australia

HMQ and R Menzies
Queen Elizabeth II with Prime Minister of Australia Robert Menzies during her first tour of Australia in 1954

Robert Menzies was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen.

No Portrait Name Lifespan Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Portrait Menzies 1950s.jpg Robert Menzies 1894–1978 19 December 1949 26 January 1966
2 Harold Holt SEATO.jpg Harold Holt 1908–1967 26 January 1966 19 December 1967
3 Sir John McEwen.jpg John McEwen 1900–1980 19 December 1967 10 January 1968
4 JohnGorton1968.jpg John Gorton 1911–2002 10 January 1968 10 March 1971
5 McMahon 1971 (cropped).jpg William McMahon 1908–1988 10 March 1971 5 December 1972
6 Gough Whitlam 1972 (cropped).jpg Gough Whitlam 1916–2014 5 December 1972 11 November 1975
7 Malcolm Fraser 1977 (cropped).jpg Malcolm Fraser 1930–2015 11 November 1975 11 March 1983
8 Hawke Bob BANNER.jpg Bob Hawke 1929–2019 11 March 1983 20 December 1991
9 Keating Paul BANNER.jpg Paul Keating b. 1944 20 December 1991 11 March 1996
10 Howard John BANNER.jpg John Howard b. 1939 11 March 1996 3 December 2007
11 Kevin Rudd DFAT (smile).jpg Kevin Rudd b. 1957 3 December 2007 24 June 2010
12 Julia Gillard 2010.jpg Julia Gillard b. 1961 24 June 2010 27 June 2013
(11) Kevin Rudd DFAT (smile).jpg Kevin Rudd b. 1957 27 June 2013 18 September 2013
13 Tony Abbott - 2010.jpg Tony Abbott b. 1957 18 September 2013 15 September 2015
14 Malcolm Turnbull PEO (cropped).jpg Malcolm Turnbull b. 1954 15 September 2015 24 August 2018
15 Scott Morrison portrait.jpg Scott Morrison b. 1968 24 August 2018 23 May 2022
16 Anthony Albanese portrait (cropped).jpg Anthony Albanese b. 1963 23 May 2022 Incumbent

Reference

The Bahamas

The 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 (cropped).jpg Lynden Pindling 1930–2000 10 July 1973 21 August 1992
2 Hubert Ingraham.jpg Hubert Ingraham b. 1947 21 August 1992 3 May 2002
3 Perry Christie 2013 (cropped).jpg Perry Christie b. 1943 3 May 2002 4 May 2007
(2) Hubert Ingraham.jpg Hubert Ingraham b. 1947 4 May 2007 8 May 2012
(3) Perry Christie 2013 (cropped).jpg Perry Christie b. 1943 8 May 2012 11 May 2017
4 Hubert Minnis 2016.jpg Hubert Minnis b. 1954 11 May 2017 17 September 2021
5 Philip "Brave" Davis (profile).jpg Philip Davis b. 1951 17 September 2021 Incumbent

Reference

Barbados

Barbados 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 1968 - 2.png Errol Barrow 1920–1987 30 November 1966 8 September 1976
2 Tom Adams (politician).jpg Tom Adams 1931–1985 8 September 1976 11 March 1985
3 Harold St. John.png Harold Bernard St. John 1931–2004 11 March 1985 29 May 1986
(1) Errol Barrow 1968 - 2.png Errol Barrow 1920–1987 29 May 1986 1 June 1987
4 Sandiford in US (cropped).jpg Lloyd Erskine Sandiford 1937–2023 1 June 1987 7 September 1994
5 Owen Arthur-2.jpg Owen Arthur 1945–2020 7 September 1994 16 January 2008
6 David John Howard Thompson - World Economic Forum on Latin America 2010 (cropped).jpg David Thompson 1961–2010 16 January 2008 23 October 2010
7 Freundel Stuart.jpg Freundel Stuart b. 1951 23 October 2010 25 May 2018
8 Mia Mottley (2021) (cropped).jpg 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

Belize 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.jpg George Cadle Price 1919–2011 21 September 1981 17 December 1984
2 Manuel Esquivel.jpg Manuel Esquivel 1940–2022 17 December 1984 7 November 1989
(1) George Cadle Price.jpg George Cadle Price 1919–2011 7 November 1989 3 July 1993
(2) Manuel Esquivel.jpg Manuel Esquivel 1940–2022 3 July 1993 28 August 1998
3 Said Musa 2007.jpg Said Musa b. 1944 28 August 1998 8 February 2008
4 Belizean Prime Minister, Dean Barrow in London, 27 June 2013 (cropped).jpg Dean Barrow b. 1951 8 February 2008 12 November 2020
5 Johnny Briceño (52135383761) (cropped).jpg Johnny Briceño b. 1960 12 November 2020 Incumbent

Reference

Canada

Elizabeth II and Lester B. Pearson at Expo 67 (3626383)
Queen Elizabeth II with Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and John Diefenbaker at Expo 67 in Montreal, Quebec

Louis St. Laurent was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen.

No Portrait Name Lifespan Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Louis St. Laurent 1954 37112 (cropped).jpg Louis St. Laurent 1882–1973 15 November 1948 21 June 1957
2 John G. Diefenbaker.jpg John Diefenbaker 1895–1979 21 June 1957 22 April 1963
3 Lester B. Pearson (1963 ABC press photo).jpg Lester B. Pearson 1897–1972 22 April 1963 20 April 1968
4 Pierre Trudeau (1975).jpg Pierre Trudeau 1919–2000 20 April 1968 4 June 1979
5 JoeClark.jpg Joe Clark b. 1939 4 June 1979 3 March 1980
(4) Pierre Trudeau (1975).jpg Pierre Trudeau 1919–2000 3 March 1980 30 June 1984
6 John Turner 1987 crop (cropped).jpg John Turner 1929–2020 30 June 1984 17 September 1984
7 Mulroney.jpg Brian Mulroney 1939–2024 17 September 1984 25 June 1993
8 Kim Campbell.jpg Kim Campbell b. 1947 25 June 1993 4 November 1993
9 Jean Chrétien 2010.jpg Jean Chrétien b. 1934 4 November 1993 12 December 2003
10 Paul Martin in 2011 crop.jpg Paul Martin b. 1938 12 December 2003 6 February 2006
11 Stephen Harper by Remy Steinegger Infobox.jpg Stephen Harper b. 1959 6 February 2006 4 November 2015
12 Justin Trudeau in April 2023.jpg Justin Trudeau b. 1971 4 November 2015 Incumbent

Reference

Ceylon

D. S. Senanayake was the incumbent prime minister of Ceylon when Elizabeth became queen.

No Portrait Name Lifespan Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Official Photographic Portrait of Don Stephen Senanayaka (1884-1952).jpg D. S. Senanayake 1883–1952 24 September 1947 22 March 1952
2 Dudley Shelton Senanayaka (1911-1973).jpg Dudley Senanayake 1911–1973 26 March 1952 12 October 1953
3 John Kotelawala (1951).jpg John Kotelawala 1895–1980 12 October 1953 12 April 1956
4 Official Photographic Portrait of S.W.R.D.Bandaranayaka (1899-1959).jpg S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike 1899–1959 12 April 1956 26 September 1959
5 Wijeyananda Dahanayake portrait.jpg Wijeyananda Dahanayake 1901–1997 26 September 1959 20 March 1960
(2) Dudley Shelton Senanayaka (1911-1973).jpg Dudley Senanayake 1911–1973 21 March 1960 21 July 1960
6 Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Prime Minister of Ceylon 1960 (cropped).PNG Sirimavo Bandaranaike 1916–2000 21 July 1960 27 March 1965
(2) Dudley Shelton Senanayaka (1911-1973).jpg Dudley Senanayake 1911–1973 27 March 1965 29 May 1970
(6) Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Prime Minister of Ceylon 1960 (cropped).PNG 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

Fiji 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.jpg Kamisese Mara 1920–2004 10 October 1970 13 April 1987
2 Bavadra in Sydney, April 1988 (cropped).jpg 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

The 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 (1979).jpg 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

Ghana 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 The National Archives UK - CO 1069-50-1.jpg 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

Grenada 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 1977.png Eric Gairy 1922–1997 7 February 1974 13 March 1979
2 Maurice Bishop 1982-06-11.jpg Maurice Bishop
see § Grenada (1979–1984)
1944–1983 13 March 1979 19 October 1983
3 Herbert Blaize 1986 (profile).jpg 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.jpg Keith Mitchell b. 1946 22 June 1995 9 July 2008
8 TillmanThomas.jpg Tillman Thomas b. 1947 9 July 2008 20 February 2013
(7) Keith Mitchell.jpg Keith Mitchell b. 1946 20 February 2013 24 June 2022
9 Dickon Mitchell 2022-07-01.jpg Dickon Mitchell b. 1978 24 June 2022 Incumbent

Reference

Guyana

Guyana 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 (1966).jpg 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

Jamaica 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 President John F. Kennedy with Prime Minister of Jamaica, Sir Alexander Bustamante (04) (cropped).jpg Alexander Bustamante 1884–1977 6 August 1962 23 February 1967
2 Donald Sangster 1911–1967 23 February 1967 11 April 1967
3 Hugh Shearer.png Hugh Shearer 1923–2004 11 April 1967 2 March 1972
4 Michael Manley.jpg Michael Manley 1924–1997 2 March 1972 1 November 1980
5 Seaga at AFB Andrews (cropped).jpeg Edward Seaga 1930–2019 1 November 1980 10 February 1989
(4) Michael Manley.jpg Michael Manley 1924–1997 10 February 1989 30 March 1992
6 PJPatterson.jpg P. J. Patterson b. 1935 30 March 1992 30 March 2006
7 Portia Miller Shoot.Jpeg Portia Simpson-Miller b. 1945 30 March 2006 11 September 2007
8 Bruce Golding.jpg Bruce Golding b. 1947 11 September 2007 23 October 2011
9 Andrew Holness Press (cropped) 2.jpg Andrew Holness b. 1972 23 October 2011 5 January 2012
(7) Portia Miller Shoot.Jpeg Portia Simpson-Miller b. 1945 5 January 2012 3 March 2016
(9) Andrew Holness Press (cropped) 2.jpg Andrew Holness b. 1972 3 March 2016 Incumbent

Reference

Kenya

Kenya 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 1966-06-15.jpg 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

Malawi 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 Dr HK Banda, first president of Malawi.jpg 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

The 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 Giorgio Borg Olivier.jpg George Borg Olivier 1911–1980 21 September 1964 21 June 1971
2 Dom Mintoff (1974).jpg 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

Mauritius 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.jpg Seewoosagur Ramgoolam 1900–1985 12 March 1968 30 June 1982
2 Anerood Jugnauth January 2013.jpg 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

Queen Elizabeth II Royal Tour of New Zealand (Image 6)
The Queen with Sidney Holland during her tour of New Zealand, 1953

Sidney Holland was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen.

No Portrait Name Lifespan Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Sidney George Holland (1953).jpg Sidney Holland 1893–1961 13 December 1949 20 September 1957
2 Keith Holyoake (1960).jpg Keith Holyoake 1904–1983 20 September 1957 12 December 1957
3 Walter Nash (ca 1940s).jpg Walter Nash 1882–1968 12 December 1957 12 December 1960
(2) Keith Holyoake (1960).jpg Keith Holyoake 1904–1983 12 December 1960 7 February 1972
4 Jack Marshall, 1972.jpg Jack Marshall 1912–1988 7 February 1972 8 December 1972
5 Norman Kirk, crop.jpg Norman Kirk 1923–1974 8 December 1972 31 August 1974†
N/A Hugh Watt, 1951 (1).jpg Hugh Watt
Acting prime minister
1912–1980 31 August 1974 6 September 1974
6 Bill Rowling, 1962.jpg Bill Rowling 1927–1995 6 September 1974 12 December 1975
7 Muldoon 1978.jpg Robert Muldoon 1921–1992 12 December 1975 26 July 1984
8 David Lange (cropped).jpg David Lange 1942–2005 26 July 1984 8 August 1989
9 Geoffrey Palmer, 2020.jpg Geoffrey Palmer b. 1942 8 August 1989 4 September 1990
10 Mike Moore.jpg Mike Moore 1949–2020 4 September 1990 2 November 1990
11 Jim Bolger ONZ 2018 (cropped).jpg Jim Bolger b. 1935 2 November 1990 8 December 1997
12 Jenny Shipley and Winnie Laban (crop).jpg Jenny Shipley b. 1952 8 December 1997 5 December 1999
13 Helen Clark official photo (cropped).jpg Helen Clark b. 1950 5 December 1999 19 November 2008
14 John Key Pentagon 2014 (cropped).jpg John Key b. 1961 19 November 2008 12 December 2016
15 Bill English KNZM (cropped).jpg Bill English b. 1961 12 December 2016 26 October 2017
16 New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018.jpg Jacinda Ardern b. 1980 26 October 2017 25 January 2023

Reference

Nigeria

The 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 Balewa.jpg 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

Khawaja Nazimuddin was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen.

No Portrait Name Lifespan Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Khawaja Nazimuddin.jpg Khawaja Nazimuddin 1894–1964 17 October 1951 17 April 1953
2 Mohammad Ali Bogra 1909–1963 17 April 1953 12 August 1955
3 Chaudhry Mohammad Ali.jpg 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

Papua 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 2014.jpg Michael Somare 1936–2021 16 September 1975 11 March 1980
2 Sir Julius Chan (cropped).jpg Julius Chan b. 1939 11 March 1980 2 August 1982
(1) Michael Somare 2014.jpg Michael Somare 1936–2021 2 August 1982 21 November 1985
3 Paias Wingti in Hagen 02 (cropped).jpg Paias Wingti b. 1951 21 November 1985 4 July 1988
4 Rabbie Namaliu 2012 (cropped).png Rabbie Namaliu b. 1947 4 July 1988 17 July 1992
(3) Paias Wingti in Hagen 02 (cropped).jpg Paias Wingti b. 1951 17 July 1992 30 August 1994
(2) Sir Julius Chan (cropped).jpg Julius Chan b. 1939 30 August 1994 27 March 1997
N/A John Giheno
Acting prime minister
1950–2017 27 March 1997 2 June 1997
(2) Sir Julius Chan (cropped).jpg Julius Chan b. 1939 2 June 1997 22 July 1997
5 Bill Skate April 1998.gif Bill Skate 1953–2006 22 July 1997 14 July 1999
6 Mekere Morauta 2000.jpg Mekere Morauta 1946–2020 14 July 1999 5 August 2002
(1) Michael Somare 2014.jpg Michael Somare 1936–2021 5 August 2002 2 August 2011 / 3 August 2012
7 Peter O'Neill May 2015.jpg Peter O'Neill b. 1965 2 August 2011 / 3 August 2012 30 May 2019
8 Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on July 27, 2023 - 230727-D-TT977-0140 (cropped).jpg James Marape b. 1971 30 May 2019 Incumbent

Reference

Rhodesia

See § Rhodesia (1965–1970) below.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint 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 2020.jpg Kennedy Simmonds b. 1936 19 September 1983 7 July 1995
2 Denzil L Douglas.jpg Denzil Douglas b. 1953 7 July 1995 18 February 2015
3 Timothy Harris 2019.jpg Timothy Harris b. 1964 18 February 2015 6 August 2022
4 Terrance Drew 2022.jpg Terrance Drew b. 1976 6 August 2022 Incumbent

Reference

Saint Lucia

Saint 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 1986 (cropped).jpg 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
N/A Michael Pilgrim
Acting prime minister
b. 1947 17 January 1982 3 May 1982
(1) John Compton 1986 (cropped).jpg John Compton 1925–2007 3 May 1982 2 April 1996
4 Vaughan Lewis b. 1940 2 April 1996 24 May 1997
5 VI Cumbre de las Américas (7077114569) (cropped) (cropped).jpg Kenny Anthony b. 1951 24 May 1997 15 December 2006
(1) John Compton 1986 (cropped).jpg John Compton 1925–2007 15 December 2006 7 September 2007
6 Stephenson King.png Stephenson King b. 1958 7 September 2007 30 November 2011
(5) VI Cumbre de las Américas (7077114569) (cropped) (cropped).jpg Kenny Anthony b. 1951 30 November 2011 7 June 2016
7 AllenChastanet2017(cropped).jpeg Allen Chastanet b. 1960 7 June 2016 28 July 2021
8 Philip J Pierre Christmas 2020 (cropped).png Philip Pierre b. 1954 28 July 2021 Incumbent

Reference

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint 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 F. Mitchell 1986 (cropped).jpg James Fitz-Allen Mitchell 1931–2021 30 July 1984 27 October 2000
3 Arnhim Eustace.jpg Arnhim Eustace b. 1944 27 October 2000 29 March 2001
4 Ralph Gonsalves 2023.jpg Ralph Gonsalves b. 1946 29 March 2001 Incumbent

Reference

Sierra Leone

Sierra 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 No image.svg Albert Margai 1910–1980 28 April 1964 21 March 1967
3 President Siaka Stevens at US Embassy reception in Freetown (cropped).png 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

The 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 (cropped).jpg Peter Kenilorea 1943–2016 7 July 1978 31 August 1981
2 Solomon Mamaloni 1943–2000 31 August 1981 19 November 1984
(1) Peter Kenilorea (cropped).jpg 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 visit (cropped).jpg Bartholomew Ulufa'alu 1950–2007 27 August 1997 30 June 2000
6 Манассе Согаваре (28532489095).jpg Manasseh Sogavare b. 1955 30 June 2000 17 December 2001
7 Allan Kemakeza 20050711.jpg Allan Kemakeza b. 1950 17 December 2001 20 April 2006
8 Snyder Rini 2004.jpg Snyder Rini b. 1949 20 April 2006 4 May 2006
(6) Манассе Согаваре (28532489095).jpg Manasseh Sogavare b. 1955 4 May 2006 20 December 2007
9 Дерек Сикуа (26403205948).jpg Derek Sikua b. 1959 20 December 2007 25 August 2010
10 DannyPhilip (cropped).jpg Danny Philip b. 1953 25 August 2010 16 November 2011
11 Gordon Darcy Lilo.jpg Gordon Darcy Lilo b. 1965 16 November 2011 9 December 2014
(6) Манассе Согаваре (28532489095).jpg Manasseh Sogavare b. 1955 9 December 2014 15 November 2017
12 Рик Хоуенипвела (43306893882).jpg Rick Houenipwela b. 1958 15 November 2017 24 April 2019
(6) Манассе Согаваре (28532489095).jpg Manasseh Sogavare b. 1955 24 April 2019 2 May 2024

Reference

South Africa

Daniel 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 DFMalanPortret (cropped).jpg Daniel François Malan 1874–1959 4 June 1948 30 November 1954
2 Hans Strijdom.jpg Johannes Gerhardus Strijdom 1893–1958 30 November 1954 24 August 1958
3 Zuid Afrikaanse premier dr. H. Verwoerd, Bestanddeelnr 911-1297 (cropped).jpg 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

Tanganyika 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 President Nyerere van Tanzania, koppen, Bestanddeelnr 928-2879 (cropped).jpg Julius Nyerere 1922–1999 9 December 1961 22 January 1962
2 Rashidi Kawawa (cropped).jpg 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

Trinidad 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 (cropped).jpg 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

Tuvalu 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 2022.jpg Bikenibeu Paeniu b. 1956 16 October 1989 10 December 1993
4 Rt Hon Sir Kamuta Latasi (cropped).jpg Kamuta Latasi b. 1936 10 December 1993 24 December 1996
(3) Bikenibeu Paeniu 2022.jpg Bikenibeu Paeniu b. 1956 24 December 1996 27 April 1999
5 Ionatana Ionatana.jpg Ionatana Ionatana 1938–2000 27 April 1999 8 December 2000
N/A Lagitupu Tuilimu
Acting prime minister
N/A 8 December 2000 24 February 2001
6 Faimalaga Luka 2003.jpg Faimalaga Luka 1940–2005 24 February 2001 14 December 2001
7 Koloa Talake 1934–2008 14 December 2001 24 August 2002
8 Saufatu Sopoanga 2003 (cropped).jpg Saufatu Sopoanga 1952–2020 24 August 2002 25 August 2004
9 Maatia Toafa.jpg Maatia Toafa b. 1954 11 October 2004 14 August 2006
10 Apisai Ielemia cropped.jpg Apisai Ielemia 1955–2018 14 August 2006 29 September 2010
(9) Maatia Toafa.jpg Maatia Toafa b. 1954 29 September 2010 24 December 2010
11 WillyTevali.jpg Willy Telavi b. 1954 24 December 2010 1 August 2013
12 Enele Sopoaga 2015.jpg Enele Sopoaga b. 1956 5 August 2013 19 September 2019
13 Kausea Natano June 2022.jpg Kausea Natano b. 1957 19 September 2019 26 February 2024

Reference

Uganda

Uganda 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 Obote cropped.png 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

Queen Elizabeth II with her British Prime Ministers during her Golden Jubilee in 2002
Queen Elizabeth II with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former prime ministers John Major, Margaret Thatcher, James Callaghan, and Edward Heath during her Golden Jubilee in 2002

Winston Churchill was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen.

No Portrait Name Lifespan Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Sir Winston Churchill - 19086236948.jpg Winston Churchill 1874–1965 26 October 1951 5 April 1955
2 Anthony Eden (retouched).jpg Anthony Eden 1897–1977 6 April 1955 9 January 1957
3 Harold Macmillan.jpg Harold Macmillan 1894–1986 10 January 1957 18 October 1963
4 Alec Douglas-Home (c1963).jpg Alec Douglas-Home 1903–1995 19 October 1963 16 October 1964
5 Harold Wilson.jpg Harold Wilson 1916–1995 16 October 1964 19 June 1970
6 Edward Heath 4 Allan Warren.jpg Edward Heath 1916–2005 19 June 1970 4 March 1974
(5) Harold Wilson.jpg Harold Wilson 1916–1995 4 March 1974 5 April 1976
7 James Callaghan (1975).jpg James Callaghan 1912–2005 5 April 1976 4 May 1979
8 Margaret Thatcher stock portrait (cropped).jpg Margaret Thatcher 1925–2013 4 May 1979 28 November 1990
9 Prime Minister John Major (cropped).jpg John Major b. 1943 28 November 1990 2 May 1997
10 Tony Blair 2010 (cropped).jpg Tony Blair b. 1953 2 May 1997 27 June 2007
11 Gordon Brown official.jpg Gordon Brown b. 1951 27 June 2007 11 May 2010
12 David Cameron Official Portrait 2023 (cropped).jpg David Cameron b. 1966 11 May 2010 13 July 2016
13 Theresa May (2016) (cropped).jpg Theresa May b. 1956 13 July 2016 24 July 2019
14 Boris Johnson official portrait (cropped).jpg Boris Johnson b. 1964 24 July 2019 6 September 2022
15 Official portrait of Prime Minister Liz Truss (cropped).jpg 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

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