Top 10 Best Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom
Winston Churchill led the United Kingdom through the harrowing times of World War II with his rousing speeches and indomitable spirit. He served as Prime Minister during two critical periods, 1940-1945 and again from 1951-1955. Churchill is the greatest politician in modern history, much better than any of your American "heroes." For Pete's sake, you guys know nothing about history. Franklin D. Roosevelt sold Poland to the Soviets for them to join the UN in exchange. This did nothing to stop the Cold War.
As far as Churchill being racist, if he hadn't lived, this world would be Nazi-occupied. Nothing more racist than that. "Churchill's" concentration camps are a fake conspiracy. To end this, I will quote him: "...ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do..."
Now, shut up with your fake, KKK news.
Clement Attlee became Prime Minister after World War II and his government initiated significant social reforms and founded the National Health Service. He served from 1945 to 1951, overseeing the beginning of the post-war recovery. Won Labour their first majority in 1945, over Conservative Mr. Churchill. Britain was in debt and demoralized after the war. He re-nationalized industries like coal and oil and created thousands of jobs. He also created free universal healthcare in the form of the NHS.
Yes, he was from a privileged background, but he knew how to help the working class of our country. A lesson for supporters of David Cameron's cuts: when you are in debt, you need to spend money to get people back to work and paying taxes, not austerity. Jeremy Corbyn is another Democratic Socialist who will do much the same if Labour is elected in 2012.
Tony Blair, who led the country from 1997 to 2007, was known for rebranding the Labour Party as "New Labour" and for his role in the peace process in Northern Ireland. His tenure was also marked by the controversial decision to participate in the Iraq War. I have limited knowledge of pre-WW2 PMs, but Blair is my favorite post-war. He propagated Labour principles while enacting sensible policies that could be applied in the modern world. He understood that the poor must be helped (which many Tories don't), while not encouraging the poverty trap (which is what left-wing Labour wants). You must help them to help themselves.
He is the only Labour PM elected in nearly 50 years. Hopefully, Starmer gets elected as, while he isn't as inspiring as Blair, he has common sense, which Corbyn didn't.
Harold Wilson held the office of Prime Minister in two terms, from 1964 to 1970 and from 1974 to 1976, known for his emphasis on modernization of the British economy and society. He navigated the country through challenging times, including economic crises and social changes. A very smart man who, despite flaws, did a tremendous amount of good for the country.
Margaret Thatcher, known as the "Iron Lady," was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 1979 to 1990. Her policies of deregulation, privatization of state-owned companies, and confrontation with trade unions marked a significant shift in British economic policy. The Iron Lady.
Not winning a constituency in 1950 couldn't stop her. She eventually won in 1959, becoming one of the first female MPs. She won the Conservative leadership in 1975 and then the General Election in 1979.
Starting from working in a bakery to being dubbed 'The Iron Lady' by the Soviets and even dancing with Ronald Reagan, this is not just a political story but a story of true success. From having some of the lowest approval ratings after vigorous spending cuts to winning the Falklands War, a true war that was never declared, she struck fear into the Argentinian Navy, and its impact is still felt today.
She will be remembered for saving the economy, winning the Falklands back, and helping to bring down the Soviets. Not caring much for re-election, she got the job done, and by God, she did it well.
John Major was Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997, succeeding Margaret Thatcher. His tenure was marked by the continuation of the Conservative Party's economic policies and efforts to bring peace to Northern Ireland through the early stages of the peace process. A Conservative from a modest background, won the 1992 election against the odds. From 1990-1997, he led a fairly united front, reining in the extremes of Thatcherism. He signed the EU Treaty but found it difficult to lead a party of which many wanted to exit the EU.
He also looked boring compared to the charismatic Tony Blair, but Major had more substance.
Laid the foundation for the Good Friday Agreement. He was not given sufficient credit for doing so. Tony Blair took too much of the credit. He left the British economy in the best shape for many years.
David Lloyd George, Prime Minister from 1916 to 1922, played a crucial role in the final year of World War I and was a key figure in the Paris Peace Conference that followed. His leadership helped shape the post-war world and he introduced significant social welfare reforms in Britain. Led the nation through the turbulent times of the Great War. He also acted as the level-headed mediator between the two extremes of the Allied powers in how Germany was to be treated after the war.
Radical modern thinker ahead of his time. He had many character flaws, but as a prime minister, he was fantastic in the First World War and was a radical chancellor.
A great leader during World War I.
Harold Macmillan served as Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963, overseeing a period of affluence and the easing of Cold War tensions, famously declaring that Britons had "never had it so good". He was known for his efforts in decolonization and for maintaining a strong relationship with the United States. "You've never had it so good" speech.
One of his innovations at the Treasury was the introduction of premium bonds. In 1928, Macmillan was described by his political hero, and now Parliamentary colleague, David Lloyd George, as a "born rebel."
David Cameron, who led the country from 2010 to 2016, is known for his modernization of the Conservative Party and for overseeing the 2016 referendum on the UK's membership in the European Union, which ultimately led to Brexit. His tenure also focused on austerity measures aimed at reducing the national deficit. Since 2005, he has tried to modernize the Labour Party to some avail under the Lib Dem coalition in 2010. As PM, he increased tuition fees, made big cuts to welfare and council services, and reorganized the NHS. He cut taxes for the rich too. The only progressive change was legalizing same-sex marriage.
He copied the speeches and style of Tony Blair and won a majority in 2015, but his party looks increasingly split over the EU. He will be gone by 2020. Let's hope it's not Boris who replaces him before the election. Vote Labour, unless you're a millionaire!
Benjamin Disraeli, serving twice as Prime Minister in 1868 and then from 1874 to 1880, was instrumental in expanding the British Empire and played a significant role in the creation of the modern Conservative Party. His policies aimed at improving social conditions marked the beginning of one-nation conservatism. Great PM. Believed in Conservative principles like strong defense, respecting tradition, and different social classes. But at the same time, he cared about the working class and those less fortunate.
He strengthened the British Empire, helping to establish it as the most powerful nation in the world. He also brilliantly turned the Congress of Berlin to Britain's favor.
He made Britain great and was one of the best diplomats in history.
The Newcomers
Rishi Sunak took office as Prime Minister in 2022, becoming one of the youngest to hold the position in modern times. His tenure is marked by efforts to stabilize the UK's economy amidst the challenges of post-Brexit adjustments and global economic pressures.
Gordon Brown, who was Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010, played a pivotal role in responding to the global financial crisis of 2008. His policies focused on economic stimulus measures and banking reform to stabilize the British economy. Very underrated. More talent than most.
William Gladstone, serving four terms as Prime Minister, was a dominant political figure of the Victorian era, known for his liberal policies, commitment to Irish Home Rule, and efforts to reform the British government and economy. His tenure saw significant social and economic changes in Britain. Promoted private activity and small government. Grew the country's wealth so fast by nearly destroying taxes. People had so much money to spend and goods to choose from due to tariffs being cut and hammered down.
Who in their right mind would want to fight with their best customer? He also fostered peaceful relations with foreign countries.
The empire grew greatest during his reign. He helped the Irish situation and enfranchised a huge percentage of the population.
Social welfare policies and Ireland. Should be #1.
"Whatever happens will be for the worse, and therefore it is in our interest that as little should happen as possible."
Initiated the abolition of slavery, the 1832 Reform Act, and held together a very varied government. The most underrated British Prime Minister.
Great guy. Really. Definitely underrated.
He abolished slavery and was a good leader.
Should probably have resigned a bit earlier for the sake of Lord Durham in Canada, but overall, a good principled man.
James Callaghan took office as Prime Minister in 1976, following the resignation of Harold Wilson. His time in office was challenged by economic difficulties, industrial unrest, and the "Winter of Discontent," which significantly affected his government's popularity.
Became MP at 24 years old. Restored national finances. Protected Britain from French invasion. Served for nearly 20 years.
Herbert Asquith, leading the country from 1908 to 1916, was a key figure in the implementation of social reforms that laid the foundations for the modern welfare state. His leadership during the early years of World War I was marked by significant challenges and the eventual formation of a coalition government in 1915.
Anthony Eden served as Prime Minister from 1955 to 1957, succeeding Winston Churchill. His tenure is most remembered for the Suez Crisis, which damaged Britain's international relations and led to his resignation, marking a significant moment in the post-war decline of Britain's global empire.
Theresa May served as Prime Minister from 2016 to 2019, tasked with leading the United Kingdom through the complex negotiations to exit the European Union. Her tenure was marked by political turmoil over Brexit and efforts to maintain unity within her party and the country. Why is everyone hating on Theresa?
Why don't you try running Brexit when every MP changes their mind every two seconds?
I do feel sorry for her. She tried and tried, but failed!
She brought us all together with Brexit. She is an exceptionally good dancer and puts every other prime minister, including Churchill, to shame. God bless you, May.
Only just begun as PM, but I think she'll be great.
Robert Peel, serving as Prime Minister in the early to mid-19th century, is best known for founding the modern Conservative Party and for his role in the repeal of the Corn Laws, which aimed to improve food supply and lower the cost of food in Britain. His policies laid the groundwork for the free trade principles that would dominate British economic policy. No brainer, really. Earl Grey, the Duke of Wellington, and himself were the most feared politicians during the late 1820s and early 1830s during William IV's reign. This man was quiet, unassuming, but unbelievably clever.
He even ran his own party for a while since most of the ministers were against him after the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. This iconic man changed the face of the Conservative Party by introducing a police force that soon became widespread across the UK. He altered and set up many policies as Home Secretary during the late 1820s and early 1840s as PM, which proved vital in the future.
He'd eat Major, Thatcher, Cameron, and May for breakfast! Sir Robert was the first British Prime Minister to be photographed sometime in the late 1840s, but it's not yet displayed on the internet.