Q 01/05

Who is generally regarded as the first British prime minister, serving from 1721 to 1742?

A) William Pitt the Elder

B) Lord North

C) Robert Walpole

D) Henry Pelham

Answer · why

C) Robert Walpole

His 20-year run is still the longest of any prime minister; his era was nicknamed the 'Robinocracy'.

Q 02/05

Which prime minister holds the record for the longest tenure, at more than 20 years?

A) Robert Walpole

B) William Pitt the Younger

C) Lord Liverpool

D) William Gladstone

Answer · why

A) Robert Walpole

He accepted 10 Downing Street from George II in 1732 only on condition it went to the office, not to him personally.

Q 03/05

Who is the youngest person ever to become British prime minister, taking office at 24?

A) Lord Liverpool

B) George Canning

C) Lord Grenville

D) William Pitt the Younger

Answer · why

D) William Pitt the Younger

He was also Chancellor of the Exchequer for his entire time as prime minister, and died in office in 1806.

Q 04/05

Which prime minister is the only one to have been assassinated?

A) George Canning

B) Spencer Perceval

C) Lord Palmerston

D) Robert Peel

Answer · why

B) Spencer Perceval

He was shot in the lobby of the Commons in May 1812 by John Bellingham, a merchant with a grievance against the government.

Q 05/05

Who was the shortest-serving prime minister in British history, resigning on her fiftieth day in office?

A) Theresa May

B) Liz Truss

C) Margaret Thatcher

D) Anna Soubry

Answer · why

B) Liz Truss

She was appointed by Elizabeth II at Balmoral two days before the Queen died, making her the fifteenth and last of that reign.