Ever wondered who’s actually in charge when the Prime Minister is off at a summit or, heaven forbid, stuck in bed with a nasty flu? Most people look toward the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, assuming there’s a clear-cut line of succession like in the States.
Honestly, it’s way messier than that.
As of January 2026, the person holding that title is David Lammy. He stepped into the role on September 5, 2025, following the sudden resignation of Angela Rayner. While the title sounds grand, the actual power it carries is one of the most misunderstood parts of British politics. It's not a "Vice President" situation. If the PM vanishes, the DPM doesn't just put on the crown.
What a Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Actually Does
The role is basically whatever the Prime Minister wants it to be. There is no legal requirement to even have one. You’ve got periods in British history where the office just sat empty for years because the PM didn't feel like sharing the spotlight or didn't have a political debt to pay.
David Lammy currently balances this title with two other massive jobs: Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. That’s a lot of hats. When he’s acting as Deputy Prime Minister, he’s essentially the PM’s right-hand man for:
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- Standing in at PMQs: This is the big one. If Keir Starmer is away, Lammy is the one at the dispatch box taking heat from the Opposition.
- Chairman duties: He often chairs Cabinet committees when the PM is busy.
- The "Fixer" role: He coordinates between different government departments to make sure policies aren't clashing.
It’s a bit of a juggling act. Because Lammy also runs the Ministry of Justice, his version of the deputy role is heavily focused on the legal sector and constitutional future-proofing. Recently, in January 2026, we even saw him heading to Washington to meet with Vice President JD Vance. That kind of high-level diplomacy is exactly why the title exists—it gives a minister extra "heft" on the world stage.
Why Angela Rayner Left the Post
You can’t talk about the current state of the office without mentioning why it changed hands. Angela Rayner was a powerhouse in the role until late 2025. She wasn't just the DPM; she was the elected Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. That gave her a level of independent power that most deputies dream of.
Everything changed when a tax controversy involving property and stamp duty came to light. An ethics review by Laurie Magnus concluded there had been a breach of the ministerial code. On September 5, 2025, Rayner resigned from the government.
It was a massive shock to the system. Since then, Lucy Powell has taken over as the elected Deputy Leader of the party, but the Prime Minister chose to give the actual Deputy Prime Minister title to Lammy. This split—where the "Deputy PM" and the "Deputy Party Leader" are two different people—creates a different kind of energy in Downing Street. It’s less about party power and more about administrative trust.
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The Weird History of the Job
The title is relatively new in the grand scheme of things. Clement Attlee was the first to be styled this way during the wartime coalition in the 1940s. Before that, it didn't really exist.
Even when it does exist, it’s often a "consolation prize" or a way to keep a rival close. Think back to Nick Clegg during the coalition years. He needed the title to show the Liberal Democrats had real skin in the game. Then you had John Prescott under Tony Blair, who was the ultimate bridge between the "Old Labour" base and Blair’s "New Labour" project.
A Quick Look at Recent Holders
| Name | Prime Minister | Years in Office |
|---|---|---|
| David Lammy | Keir Starmer | 2025–Present |
| Angela Rayner | Keir Starmer | 2024–2025 |
| Oliver Dowden | Rishi Sunak | 2023–2024 |
| Dominic Raab | Sunak/Johnson | 2021–2023 |
| Thérèse Coffey | Liz Truss | 2022 (Shortest ever!) |
Notice how it’s become more common lately? Since 2010, prime ministers have used it almost constantly. It helps manage the massive workload of modern government, but it still lacks the constitutional "teeth" that a US Vice President has. If the PM is incapacitated, the Cabinet collectively decides who takes over. There’s no "designated survivor" protocol here.
The "First Secretary of State" Confusion
Sometimes, you’ll hear about the First Secretary of State. Is that the same thing? Sorta.
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It’s another honorific title that signifies seniority. In the past, people like Damian Green or Dominic Raab held it. Usually, a PM won’t appoint both a Deputy Prime Minister and a First Secretary of State at the same time because it would be like having two "second-in-commands," which just leads to awkward lunch meetings.
Right now, the government is leaning heavily on the DPM title plus a new role called Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, currently held by Darren Jones. This is part of a 2025 reshuffle aimed at making Number 10 run more like a corporate HQ and less like a chaotic debating society.
Why This Matters to You
If you're following UK news, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is often the "canary in the coal mine" for government stability. When a deputy resigns—like Rayner did—it usually signals a major internal crisis. When a deputy is empowered—like Lammy is now with his international missions—it shows a Prime Minister who is comfortable delegating high-stakes diplomacy.
Keep an eye on how Lammy handles the "America 250" celebrations and his work in the Ministry of Justice. His ability to balance these roles will likely define the second half of this parliamentary term.
Actionable Insights for Following the DPM:
- Watch PMQs on Wednesdays: If Starmer is away, pay close attention to how Lammy handles the pressure. It’s the ultimate audition for the top job.
- Track the "Ministerial Code" reports: As we saw with Rayner, the DPM is under a microscope. Any slight slip-up becomes a national headline.
- Look at the "Fixer" projects: The DPM is usually put in charge of things that cross multiple departments, like housing or constitutional reform. If these projects stall, the DPM is usually the one who takes the fall.
The role remains one of the most fascinating "empty vessels" in the British constitution—it's exactly as powerful as the person holding the pen in Number 10 allows it to be.