List of prime ministers of Elizabeth II

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Queen Elizabeth II with several of her prime ministers and other Commonwealth nation leaders at the 1960 Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference

Since becoming Queen on 6 February 1952, Queen Elizabeth II has been head of state of 32 different independent states; currently, there are 15 states, called Commonwealth realms. Within the Westminster system in each realm, the Queen's government is headed by a prime minister. Appointment and dismissal of prime ministers are common reserve powers that can be exercised by the Queen or her governors-general.

This list does not cover Commonwealth nations that are not Commonwealth realms, nor holders of offices of prime minister in colonies or sub-national entities such as states or provinces.

The Queen has had over 170 individuals serve as her realms' prime ministers throughout her reign, the first new appointment being Dudley Senanayake as Prime Minister of Ceylon and the most recent being Philip Davis as Prime Minister of the Bahamas; some of these individuals have served multiple non-consecutive terms in office (within the same state) as prime minister. Several of the Queen's prime ministers from various realms have been appointed for life to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.

Prime ministers of current realms[]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Vere Bird.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 Gaston Browne and Anton Bakov cropped.jpg Gaston Browne
(b. 1967)
13 June 2014 Incumbent

Reference[1]

Australia[]

Elizabeth and Robert Menzies at a formal evening event
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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Portrait Menzies 1950s.jpg Robert Menzies
(1894–1978)
19 December 1949 26 January 1966
2 Harold Holt 1965 01.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 headshot.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 official portrait.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 portrait.jpg Kevin Rudd
(b. 1957)
27 June 2013 18 September 2013
13 Prime Minister Tony Abbott.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 2014 crop.jpg Scott Morrison
(b. 1968)
24 August 2018 Incumbent

Reference[2]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 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)N1
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 Upscaled.jpg Philip Davis
(b. 1951)
17 September 2021 Incumbent

Reference[3]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 George C. Price Cropped.jpg George Cadle Price
(1919–2011)
21 September 1981 17 December 1984
2 Manuel Esquivel.jpg Manuel Esquivel
(b. 1940)
17 December 1984 7 November 1989
(1) George C. Price Cropped.jpg George Cadle Price
(1919–2011)
7 November 1989 3 July 1993
(2) Manuel Esquivel.jpg Manuel Esquivel
(b. 1940)
3 July 1993 28 August 1998
3 Said Musa.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 John Briceño (cropped).jpg Johnny Briceño
(b. 1960)
12 November 2020 Incumbent

Reference[4]

Canada[]

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

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Louisstlaurent.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 with a pencil.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 Elliot Trudeau-2.jpg Pierre Trudeau
(1919–2000)
3 March 1980 30 June 1984
6 Turner 1968 cropped.jpg John Turner
(1929–2020)
30 June 1984 17 September 1984
7 Brian Mulroney (cropped).jpg Brian Mulroney
(b. 1939)
17 September 1984 25 June 1993
8 KimCampbell.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 2004 (cropped) 02.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 Trudeau visit White House for USMCA (cropped).jpg Justin Trudeau
(b. 1971)
4 November 2015 Incumbent

Reference[5]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Eric Gairy
(1922–1997)
7 February 1974 13 March 1979
2 Maurice Bishop 1982-06-11.jpg Maurice Bishop
(1944–1983)N2
13 March 1979 19 October 1983
3 Herbert Blaize.png Herbert Blaize
(1918–1999)
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 Tillman Thomas.jpg Tillman Thomas
(b. 1947)
9 July 2008 20 February 2013
(7) Keith Mitchell.jpg Keith Mitchell
(b. 1946)
20 February 2013 Incumbent

Reference[6]

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
(Birth–Death)
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 1977 cropped.png Michael Manley
(1924–1997)
2 March 1972 1 November 1980
5 Edward Seaga.jpg Edward Seaga
(1930–2019)
1 November 1980 10 February 1989
(4) Michael Manley 1977 cropped.png 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 Simpson-Miller.jpg Portia Simpson-Miller
(b. 1945)
30 March 2006 11 September 2007
8 Bruce Golding Jamaica.jpg Bruce Golding
(b. 1947)
11 September 2007 23 October 2011
9 Andrew Holness (portrait).jpg Andrew Holness
(b. 1972)
23 October 2011 5 January 2012
(7) Portia Simpson-Miller.jpg Portia Simpson-Miller
(b. 1945)
5 January 2012 3 March 2016
(9) Andrew Holness (portrait).jpg Andrew Holness
(b. 1972)
3 March 2016 Incumbent

Reference[7]

New Zealand[]

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

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Sidney George Holland (1953).jpg Sidney Holland
(1893–1961)
13 December 1949 20 September 1957
2 Keith Holyoake (crop).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 (crop).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
(1912–1980)
Acting Prime Minister
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.jpg Geoffrey Palmer
(b. 1942)
8 August 1989 4 September 1990
10 Mike Moore, 1992 (crop).jpg Mike Moore
(1949–2020)
4 September 1990 2 November 1990
11 Jim Bolger at press conference cropped.jpg Jim Bolger
(b. 1935)
2 November 1990 8 December 1997
12 Jenny Shipley 2013 (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 February 2015.jpg John Key
(b. 1961)
19 November 2008 12 December 2016
15 Bill English September 2016.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 Incumbent

Reference[8]

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 the Papua New Guinea.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Sir Michael Somare - 2009.jpg Michael Somare
(1936–2021)
16 September 1975 11 March 1980
2 Julius Chan
(b. 1939)
11 March 1980 2 August 1982
(1) Sir Michael Somare - 2009.jpg 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
N/A John Giheno
(1950–2017)
Acting Prime Minister
N3
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) Sir Michael Somare - 2009.jpg Michael Somare
(1936–2021)N4
5 August 2002 2 August 2011 / 3 August 2012N5
7 Peter O'Neill.jpg Peter O'Neill
(b. 1965)
2 August 2011 / 3 August 2012N5 30 May 2019
8 James Marape, February 2020 (GPO035) (cropped).jpg James Marape
(b. 1971)
30 May 2019 Incumbent

Reference[9]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 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 TimothyHarris.jpg Timothy Harris
(b. 1964)
18 February 2015 Incumbent

Reference[10]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 John Compton 1986.png 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
(b. 1947)
Acting Prime Minister
17 January 1982 3 May 1982
(1) John Compton 1986.png John Compton
(1925–2007)
3 May 1982 2 April 1996
4 Vaughan Lewis
(b. 1940)
2 April 1996 24 May 1997
5 Kenny Anthony, Sta. Lucía.jpg Kenny Anthony
(b. 1951)
24 May 1997 15 December 2006
(1) John Compton 1986.png John Compton
(1925–2007)
15 December 2006 7 September 2007
6 Stephenson King.jpg Stephenson King
(b. 1958)
7 September 2007 30 November 2011
(5) Kenny Anthony, Sta. Lucía.jpg Kenny Anthony
(b. 1951)
30 November 2011 7 June 2016
7 Allen Chastanet 2016.jpg Allen Chastanet
(b. 1960)
7 June 2016 28 July 2021
8 Philip J Pierre Christmas 2020 (cropped).png Philip Pierre
(b. 1954/55)
28 July 2021 Incumbent

Reference[11]

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
(Birth–Death)
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.jpg Arnhim Eustace
(b. 1944)
27 October 2000 29 March 2001
4 Ralph Gonsalves.jpg Ralph Gonsalves
(b. 1946)
29 March 2001 Incumbent

Reference[12]

Solomon Islands[]

The Solomon Islands became independent on 7 July 1978 with Peter Kenilorea as the first prime minister.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
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
(b. 1947)
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 2014.jpg 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 2014.jpg Manasseh Sogavare
(b. 1955)
4 May 2006 20 December 2007
9 Derek Sikua.jpg Derek Sikua
(b. 1959)
20 December 2007 25 August 2010
10 DannyPhilip.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) Manasseh Sogavare 2014.jpg Manasseh Sogavare
(b. 1955)
9 December 2014 15 November 2017
12 Matt Thistlethwaite Rick Hou 2013 (cropped).jpg Rick Houenipwela
(b. 1958)
15 November 2017 24 April 2019
(6) Manasseh Sogavare 2014.jpg Manasseh Sogavare
(b. 1955)
24 April 2019 Incumbent

Reference[13]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Toaripi Lauti
(1928–2014)
1 October 1978 8 September 1981
2 Tomasi Puapua.png Tomasi Puapua
(b. 1938)
8 September 1981 16 October 1989
3 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
(b. 1956)
24 December 1996 27 April 1999
5 Ionatana Ionatana
(1938–2000)
27 April 1999 8 December 2000
N/A Lagitupu Tuilimu
Acting Prime MinisterN6
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 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)N7
5 August 2013 19 September 2019
13 Kausea Natano.png Kausea Natano
(b. 1957)
19 September 2019 Incumbent

Reference[14]

United Kingdom[]

Winston Churchill was the incumbent prime minister when Elizabeth became queen. The current prime minister is Boris Johnson.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Sir Winston Churchill (cropped).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 (cropped).jpg Harold Macmillan
(1894–1986)
10 January 1957 18 October 1963
4 Alec Douglas-Home (c1963) (cropped).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 Sir Edward Heath.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 ppmsca.53218 (cropped).tif James Callaghan
(1912–2005)
5 April 1976 4 May 1979
8 Margaret Thatcher (1983).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 in 2002.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.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 Incumbent

Reference[15][16]

Prime ministers of former realms[]

This section lists prime ministers during Elizabeth's reign of former states that became republics during her reign. Where an office of prime minister remained after the transition, and the incumbent at the time of transition remained in that office, the date of the end of that period in office is given in the tables below.

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
(Birth–Death)
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 J.M.G.M. '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 Lloyd Erskine Sandiford
(b. 1937)
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.jpg David Thompson
(1961–2010)
16 January 2008 23 October 2010
7 Freundel Stuart June 2010.jpg Freundel Stuart
(b. 1951)
23 October 2010 25 May 2018
8 2019 Mia Mottley (cropped).jpg Mia Mottley
(b. 1965)
25 May 2018 Incumbent

Reference[17]

Barbados abolished the monarchy on 30 November 2021. Mottley remained in office as the republic's first prime minister.

Ceylon[]

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

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
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 Ratwatte Dias Bandaranayaka (1916-2000) (Hon.Sirimavo Bandaranaike with Hon.Lalith Athulathmudali Crop).jpg 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 Ratwatte Dias Bandaranayaka (1916-2000) (Hon.Sirimavo Bandaranaike with Hon.Lalith Athulathmudali Crop).jpg Sirimavo Bandaranaike
(1916–2000)
29 May 1970 23 July 1977

Reference[18]

Ceylon abolished the monarchy on 22 May 1972 and became the Democratic Socialist 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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Kamisese Mara.jpg Kamisese Mara
(1920–2004)
10 October 1970 13 April 1987
2 No image.svg Timoci Bavadra
(1934–1989)
13 April 1987 14 May 1987

Reference[19]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Dawda Jawara (1979).jpg Dawda Jawara
(1924–2019)
6 March 1965 24 April 1970

Reference[20]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Kwame Nkrumah (JFKWHP-AR6409-A).jpg Kwame Nkrumah
(1909–1972)
15 August 1957 1 July 1960

Reference[21]

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.

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1
Forbes Burnham (1966).jpg
Forbes Burnham
(1923–1985)
26 May 1966 6 October 1980

Reference[22]

Guyana abolished the monarchy on 23 February 1970. Burnham remained in office as the republic's first prime minister until 6 October 1980.

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1
Jomo Kenyatta.jpg
Jomo Kenyatta
(1891–1978)
12 December 1963 12 December 1964

Reference[23]

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
(Birth–Death)
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[24]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 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[25]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Seewoosagur Ramgoolam - David Ben Gurion 1962.jpg Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
(1899–1985)
12 March 1968 30 June 1982
2 Anerood Jugnauth January 2013.jpg Anerood Jugnauth
(1930–2021)
30 June 1982 15 December 1995

Reference[26]

Mauritius abolished the monarchy on 12 March 1992. Jugnauth remained in office as the republic's prime minister until 15 December 1995.

Nigeria[]

The Federation of Nigeria became independent on 1 October 1960, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa becoming the first prime minister. Balewa had previously been .

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1
Balewa.jpg
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
(1912–1966)
1 October 1960 15 January 1966

Reference[27]

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 Khawaja Nazimuddin of Pakistan.JPG Khawaja Nazimuddin
(1894–1964)
17 October 1951 17 April 1953
2 53bogra nehru (cropped).jpg Mohammad Ali Bogra
(1909–1963)
17 April 1953 12 August 1955
3 Chaudhry Mohammad Ali.jpg Chaudhry Muhammad Ali
(1905–1980)
12 August 1955 12 September 1956

Reference[28]

Pakistan abolished the monarchy on 23 March 1956. Ali remained in office as the republic's first prime minister until 12 September 1956.

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1 No image.svg 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 No image.svg Siaka Stevens
(1905–1988)
28 April 1967 21 April 1971

Reference[29]

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.[30]

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.

South Africa[]

Daniel François Malan was the incumbent prime minister of the Union of South Africa when Elizabeth became queen.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1
DFMalanPortret.jpg
Daniel François Malan
(1874–1959)
4 June 1948 30 November 1954
2
JG Strijdom.jpg
Johannes Gerhardus Strijdom
(1893–1958)
30 November 1954 24 August 1958
3
HF Verwoerd Transvaler.jpg
Hendrik Verwoerd
(1901–1966)
24 August 1958 6 September 1966

Reference[31]

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 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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1
Julius Nyerere 1977.jpg
Julius Nyerere
(1922–1999)
9 December 1961 22 January 1962
2 No image.svg Rashidi Kawawa
(1926–2009)
22 January 1962 9 December 1962

Reference[32]

Tanganyika abolished the monarchy on 9 December 1962. The post of prime minister was 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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1
Eric Williams (cropped).jpg
Eric Williams
(1911–1981)
31 August 1962 29 March 1981

Reference[33]

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.

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
(Birth–Death)
Tenure
Took office Left office
1
Obote cropped.png
Milton Obote
(1925–2005)
9 October 1962 15 April 1966

Reference[34]

Uganda abolished the monarchyN8 on 9 October 1963. Obote remained in office as the republic's first prime minister until 15 April 1966.

Anomalous cases[]

Rhodesia (1965–1970)[]

Ian Smith was Prime Minister of Rhodesia following a unilateral declaration of independence on 11 November 1965. Though Rhodesia considered Elizabeth II as Queen of Rhodesia,[35] this title was not accepted by her. Acting in his vice-regal capacity under direction from the UK government, 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 Britain and the international community. Following a referendum, Rhodesia declared itself a republic on 2 March 1970. Smith remained in office throughout this period.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Daniel Hall. "Antigua and Barbuda". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  2. ^ Daniel Hall. "Australia". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  3. ^ Daniel Hall. "The Bahamas". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  4. ^ Daniel Hall. "Belize". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  5. ^ Daniel Hall. "Canada". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  6. ^ Daniel Hall. "Grenada". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  7. ^ Daniel Hall. "Jamaica". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  8. ^ Daniel Hall. "New Zealand". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  9. ^ Daniel Hall. "Papua New Guinea". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  10. ^ Daniel Hall. "Saint Kitts and Nevis". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  11. ^ Daniel Hall. "Saint Lucia". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  12. ^ Daniel Hall. "Saint Vincent and the Grenadines". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  13. ^ Daniel Hall. "Solomon Islands". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  14. ^ Daniel Hall. "Tuvalu". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  15. ^ Daniel Hall. "United Kingdom". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  16. ^ 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.
  17. ^ Daniel Hall. "Barbados". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  18. ^ Daniel Hall. "Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  19. ^ Daniel Hall. "Fiji". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  20. ^ Daniel Hall. "The Gambia". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  21. ^ Daniel Hall. "Ghana". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  22. ^ Daniel Hall. "Guyana". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  23. ^ Daniel Hall. "Kenya". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  24. ^ Daniel Hall. "Malawi". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  25. ^ Daniel Hall. "Malta". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  26. ^ Daniel Hall. "Mauritius". Worldstatesmen.org. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  27. ^ Daniel Hall. "Nigeria". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  28. ^ Daniel Hall. "Pakistan". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  29. ^ Daniel Hall. "Sierra Leone". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  30. ^ Keen, David (2005). Conflict and Collusion in Sierra Leone. Oxford: James Currey. ISBN 0-85255-883-X.
  31. ^ Daniel Hall. "South Africa". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  32. ^ Daniel Hall. "Tanganyika (now Tanzania)". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  33. ^ Daniel Hall. "Trinidad and Tobago". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  34. ^ Daniel Hall. "Uganda". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  35. ^ International Law Reports, Volume 52, E. Lauterpacht, Cambridge University Press, 1979, page 53

Sources[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ After Christie suffered a stroke Cynthia A. Pratt served as acting Prime Minister from 4 May to 22 June 2005.
  2. ^ Maurice Bishop held de facto government control for most of the People's Revolutionary Government period (from 13 March 1979 till 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 Grenada's pre-revolutionary system of government, and the office of Prime Minister, was restored on 4 December 1984. The website of the Grenadian government lists Bishop as a former prime minister, but not Coard nor any other individual who held de facto or de jure power in this period.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ For two periods in this term of Somare's premiership Sam Abal was acting Prime Minister.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Tuilimu served as acting prime minister following the death of Ionatana.
  7. ^ 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
  8. ^ 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.
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