Question: in the united kingdom who picks the prime minister
Answer: reat Britain and Northern Ireland Royal Arms used by Her Majesty 's Government Incumbent Theresa May since 13 July 2016 ( 2016 - 07 - 13 ) Government of the United Kingdom Office of the Prime Minister Style Prime Minister ( informal ) The Right Honourable ( within the UK and the Commonwealth ) His / Her Excellency ( in international correspondence ) Member of Cabinet Privy Council European Council British -- Irish Council Reports to Parliament Residence 10 Downing Street Chequers Seat Westminster Appointer Monarch of the United Kingdom Term length At Her Majesty 's pleasure Inaugural holder Sir Robert Walpole as First Lord of the Treasury and de facto first Prime Minister .