Gordon Brown is the 11th Prime Minister to have served the Queen, in succession to Churchill, Eden, Macmillan, Douglas-Home, Wilson, Heath, Callaghan, Thatcher, Major and Blair. But the first who was asked by Her Majesty to form a government was Eden (Churchill was already PM when her father, George VI, died and she succeeded to the throne). Eden kissed hands on the morning of April 6, 1955, and proceeded to the Commons that afternoon where Attlee quoted advice given to Melbourne by a secretary: “Why, damn it all, such a position was never held by any Greek or Roman, and if it only lasts three months it will be worthwhile to have been Prime Minister of England.” What will David Cameron say to the new Prime Minister?
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in