Prime Minister, Minister for the Civil Service and First Lord of the Treasury

The Rt Hon David Cameron MP

Contents

Biography

David Cameron became Prime Minister in May 2010, leading a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government. He has been the Conservative MP for Witney in West Oxfordshire since 2001.

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Education

David studied at Eton College before graduating from Oxford University with a first class degree in politics, philosophy and economics.

Political career

Before being elected as an MP, David worked for the Conservative Party Research Department. He then worked as a special adviser in government, first to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and then to the Home Secretary.

In Parliament he held a number of positions on the Opposition Front Bench, including:

• Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons
• Front Bench Spokesman for Local Government Finance,
• Head of Policy Coordination in the run-up to the 2005 General Election

He was also a member of the influential House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee from 2001 to 2003.

He was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills after the 2005 General Election and, on a mandate to change and modernise the Party, he was elected Leader of the Conservative Party in December 2005.

In 2010 the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats formed a coalition government. David became Prime Minister, making him the youngest Prime Minister in 198 years.

Career outside politics

David spent 7 years at Carlton Communications where he served on the management board.

Personal life

David is married to Samantha. They have 3 children and live in London and West Oxfordshire. Sadly, their eldest child, Ivan, who suffered from cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, died in February 2009.

HM Government

+ others

1. Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street

Ministerial department

1. Cabinet Office

Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is head of the UK government and is ultimately responsible for the policy and decisions of the government.

As head of the UK government the Prime Minister also:

• oversees the operation of the Civil Service and government agencies
• appoints members of the government
• is the principal government figure in the House of Commons

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Cabinet Office

Minister for the Civil Service

The Minister for the Civil Service is responsible for regulating the Civil Service.

The Civil Service (Management Functions) Act of 1992, allows the Minister for the Civil Service to delegate power to other ministers and devolved administrations.

This role was created in 1968 and is always held by the Prime Minister.

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HM Government

+ others

1. Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street

Ministerial department

1. Cabinet Office

First Lord of the Treasury

The First Lord of the Treasury is one of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. This role is usually held by the Prime Minister.

Since the 17th century, the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have collectively carried out duties that were previously held by the the Lord High Treasurer (head of Her Majesty’s Treasury).

The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury also include:

• the Second Lord of the Treasury - the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has most of the functional financial responsibilities
• Junior Lords Commissioners of the Treasury - other members of the government, usually government whips in the House of Commons

10 Downing Street is the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury, and not of the Prime Minister.

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Announcements

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1. New Innovation and Research Partnership between UK and Singapore welcomed

   • 29 October 2014
   • Press release

2. New Social Investment Awards honour trailblazing social financiers

   • 28 October 2014
   • News story

3. Prime Minister statement on European Council

   • 27 October 2014
   • Statement to Parliament

4. PM and Chancellor give green light to develop HS3

   • 26 October 2014
   • Press release

5. European Council October 2014: David Cameron’s speech

   • 24 October 2014
   • Speech

6. UK secures €1 billion European Ebola commitment

   • 24 October 2014
   • Press release

7. Caring Canines wins a Big Society Award

   • 23 October 2014
   • Press release

8. PM meeting with President Tan of Singapore

   • 22 October 2014
   • Press release

9. Diwali 2014: David Cameron's message

   • 22 October 2014
   • News story

10. New funding and powers to tackle abuse in the charity sector

    • 22 October 2014
    • Press release

View all announcements

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