First Lord of the Treasury

United Kingdom First Lord of the Treasury
Royal Arms of His Majesty's Government
Flag of the United Kingdom
Incumbent Andy Burnham since 21 July 2026
Residence	10 Downing Street
Seat	Westminster
Appointer	The King appoints ex officio the prime minister
Term length	At His Majesty's pleasure
Formation	1126 (as Lord High Treasurer) 1612 (as First Lord of the Commission of the Treasury) 1714 (commission permanent since resignation of the 1st Duke of Shrewsbury)
First holder	Nigel (bishop of Ely) (as Lord High Treasurer) 1st Earl of Northampton (as First Lord of the Commission) 1st Earl of Halifax (when the commission became permanent)
Deputy	Second Lord of the Treasury
Website	Gov.uk

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The first lord of the treasury is a title held by the prime minister of the United Kingdom, as head of the lords commissioners of the treasury exercising the ancient office of Lord High Treasurer. When the ministry of Robert Walpole essentially created the position of prime minister in the 18th century, his primary official and formal title remained first lord of the treasury. 10 Downing Street is technically the official home of the first lord, although it is now entirely associated with the prime minister's office. The first lord is not the United Kingdom's finance minister; this role is instead held by the chancellor of the exchequer, who is the second lord of the treasury.