The United Kingdom has seen six prime ministers since 2015, marking one of the most unstable periods in modern British political history. From David Cameron’s 2015 election victory to Keir Starmer’s current tenure starting July 2024, each leader’s time in power has been defined by Brexit, economic crises, or internal party turmoil.
Who Were the British Prime Ministers Since 2015? A Complete Timeline
Seven individuals have served as British Prime Ministers since January 2015, though only six held office after 2015 began. The list includes:
Gordon Brown served until May 2010, so he is excluded from the “since 2015” count.
David Cameron’s Second Term – How Long Did He Actually Serve After 2015?
David Cameron won the May 2015 general election, securing his second term as Prime Minister. However, he served only 1 year and 69 days after 2015 began.
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Second term start: 8 May 2015 (after the election)
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Resigned: 13 July 2016 (following Brexit referendum loss)
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Total second term: 1 year, 67 days
Cameron had announced he would not seek a third term if re-elected in 2015. His resignation came 48 days after the June 23, 2016 Brexit vote, which favored leaving the EU.
Theresa May’s Tumultuous Premiership: 3 Years Defined by Brexit Chaos
Theresa May became Prime Minister on 13 July 2016, succeeding Cameron without a general election.
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Start: 13 July 2016
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End: 24 July 2019
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Duration: 3 years, 11 days
May triggered Article 50 in March 2017, beginning formal Brexit negotiations. She called a snap election in 2017 but lost her parliamentary majority. Her three Brexit deals were rejected by Parliament, leading to her resignation in May 2019.
Boris Johnson’s Time in Power – 3 Years of Drama, Scandals, and Brexit Delivery
Boris Johnson took office on 24 July 2019, promising to deliver Brexit by October 31, 2019.
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Start: 24 July 2019
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End: 6 September 2022
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Duration: 3 years, 13 days
Johnson secured the December 2019 general election victory, passed the Brexit deal, and oversaw the UK’s formal exit on 31 January 2020. His tenure was marred by scandals, including the “Partygate” controversy and the resignation of dozens of ministers. He resigned after a cabinet revolt in July 2022.
Liz Truss: The Shortest-Serving Prime Minister in British History – Just 50 Days
Liz Truss became Prime Minister on 6 September 2022, the fastest ascent in modern history.
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Start: 6 September 2022
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End: 25 October 2022
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Duration: 49 days (50 calendar days)
Truss’s unorthodox economic policies triggered a market crash and a run on the pound. After losing Conservative Party support, she resigned on 20 October and formally left office on 25 October. She remains the shortest-serving PM in British history.
Rishi Sunak’s 1 Year and 8 Months – From Economic Crisis to Election Defeat
Rishi Sunak, the UK’s first Asian Prime Minister, took office on 25 October 2022.
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Start: 25 October 2022
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End: 5 July 2024
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Duration: 1 year, 8 months, 11 days
Sunak stabilized the economy after Truss’s crash but faced scandals, including the “PIP scandal” and multiple ministerial resignations. He called a July 4, 2024, general election, which resulted in a Labour landslide. Sunak lost his seat and resigned as PM and Conservative leader.
Keir Starmer as Current Prime Minister – How Long Has He Been in Office So Far?
Keir Starmer became Prime Minister on 5 July 2024, leading Labour to a historic victory.
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Start: 5 July 2024
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Current date: 22 June 2026
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Duration so far: 1 year, 8 months, 18 days (approximately 20 months)
Starmer inherited economic challenges, including high inflation and low growth. His government has focused on fiscal stability, NHS reform, and renewable energy investment.
How Long Did Each Prime Minister Serve Since 2015? Full Breakdown with Dates
Why Has Britain Had So Many Prime Ministers Since 2015? The Era of Instability
Britain has had six prime ministers since 2015, the most in any 11-year period since the 18th century. Key drivers include:
This instability reflects deep societal divisions over Brexit, economic policy, and party governance.
FAQ
Q: How many British Prime Ministers have there been since 2015?
A: Six: David Cameron (partially), Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer.
Q: Who was the longest-serving Prime Minister since 2015?
A: David Cameron, with 6 years, 63 days total (though only 1 year, 67 days after 2015).
Q: Who was the shortest-serving Prime Minister in British history?
A: Liz Truss, at 49 days (50 calendar days).
Q: Which party had more Prime Ministers since 2015?
A: Conservative (5): Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss, Sunak. Labour (1): Starmer.
Q: When did Keir Starmer become Prime Minister?
A: July 5, 2024, after Labour won the general election.
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Last Updated on June 22, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
