11 Downing Street

Last updated

11 Downing Street
Ambassador Johnson meets Chancellor Hammond (36560214560).jpg
Westminster London UK location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location in Westminster
General information
Architectural style Georgian
Town or city City of Westminster
London, SW1
CountryUnited Kingdom
Coordinates 51°30′12″N0°07′40″W / 51.5034°N 0.1278°W / 51.5034; -0.1278
Current tenantsTBC
Construction started1682;342 years ago (1682)
Completed1684;340 years ago (1684)
Design and construction
Architect(s) Christopher Wren
Website
http://www.number10.gov.uk/
Listed Building – Grade I
Reference no.1356989 [1]

11 Downing Street in London, also known colloquially in the United Kingdom as Number 11, is the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer (who traditionally also has the title of Second Lord of the Treasury). The residence, in Downing Street in London, was built alongside the official residence of the Prime Minister at Number 10 in 1682.

Contents

The first Chancellor to live there was Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice in 1806, but Number 11 did not become the Chancellor's official residence until 1828. [2]

From 1997 to 2022, prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson [3] chose to reside for all or part of their term of office in the flat above Number 11, as its residential apartment is larger than at Number 10. Rishi Sunak broke with this by resuming residence in the smaller flat above Number 10. [4] [5] [6] Current Prime Minister Keir Starmer, his wife Victoria, and their two children are expected to live above Number 11. [7]

Background

Philip Hammond greets U.S. Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew at 11 Downing Street Hammond and Lew met at 11 Downing Street.jpg
Philip Hammond greets U.S. Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew at 11 Downing Street

Number 11 is part of a (blackened) yellow-brick Georgian-era converted mansion. The building overlooks St. James's Park and Horse Guards Parade and consists—from left to right—of Numbers 12, 11 and 10. [8]

Number 11 is located on the left side of Number 10, the official residence of the Prime Minister (or First Lord of the Treasury) since the early 19th century. Number 12, to the left of Number 11, is the official residence of the Chief Whip, but it is now used as the Prime Minister's press office. [9]

As a result of many internal alterations over the years, the three terraced houses are internally a single complex; one can walk from number 11 to number 10, via an internal connecting door, without using the street doors. The Cabinet Office on Whitehall is also directly connected to these at its rear making up an executive office of the prime Minister and senior Privy Councillors. [10]

The terraced house was one of several built by Sir George Downing between 1682 and 1684 to designs by Christopher Wren. It was altered c. 1723–35; refaced c. 1766–75 by Kenton Couse and with early C.19 alterations. Along with Number 10, it underwent a major reconstruction by Raymond Erith, 1960–64. [11] Despite reconstruction, the interior retains a fine staircase with carved bracket tread ends and three slender turned balusters per tread. The fine Dining Room of 1825–26 is by Sir John Soane. [12]

Recent occupancy

When Tony Blair became Prime Minister in 1997 he chose to reside in Number 11, rather than Number 10, as it has a larger living area; Blair was living with his wife and their several young children, while Gordon Brown, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, was still a bachelor. [13] In 2007, when Brown became Prime Minister, he at first chose to live in Number 11, [14] but soon moved back to Number 10. [15]

Following the 2010 general election, the incoming prime minister, David Cameron, moved into 11, and George Osborne chose to remain in his Notting Hill home. [16] In early August 2011, Osborne moved into Number 10. [17]

Boris Johnson lived in Number 11, instead of his first and second Chancellor (Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak, respectively). In March 2020, Johnson refurbished the residential apartment at Number 11. An Electoral Commission inquiry investigated the financing of this refurbishment. [18] This was known in the press as the Cash-for-Curtains scandal. [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25]

Rishi Sunak broke with this by resuming residence in the smaller flat above Number 10. [4] [5] [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Number 10 Policy Unit</span>

The Number 10 Policy Unit is a body of policymakers based in 10 Downing Street, providing policy advice directly to the British Prime Minister. Originally set up to support Harold Wilson in 1974, it has gone through a series of guises to suit the needs of successive prime ministers, staffed variously by political advisers, civil servants and more recently a combination of both.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allegra Stratton</span> British journalist (born 1980)

Allegra Elizabeth Jane Stratton is a British former political aide, journalist, and writer who served as Downing Street Press Secretary under Boris Johnson from November 2020 to April 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nadhim Zahawi</span> British politician (born 1967)

Nadhim Zahawi is an Iraqi-born British politician who served in various ministerial positions under prime ministers Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak from 2018 to 2023. He most recently served as Chairman of the Conservative Party and Minister without Portfolio from 25 October 2022 until he was dismissed by Sunak on 29 January 2023. A member of the Conservative Party, he was Member of Parliament (MP) for Stratford-on-Avon from 2010 to 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Larry (cat)</span> Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office since 2011

Larry is a British domestic tabby cat who has been Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street since 2011. He is cared for by Downing Street staff, and is not the personal property of the prime minister of the United Kingdom. Larry has lived at 10 Downing Street during the premierships of six prime ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rishi Sunak</span> Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2022 to 2024

Rishi Sunak is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2022 to 2024. He has been Leader of the Conservative Party since October 2022; after the 2024 general election in July 2024, he became Leader of the Opposition. The first British Asian to hold those offices, he previously held two Cabinet positions under Boris Johnson, latterly as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022. Sunak has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond and Northallerton, previously Richmond (Yorks), since 2015. He is the most recent Conservative Party prime minister.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Premiership of Boris Johnson</span> United Kingdom government from 2019 to 2022

Boris Johnson's tenure as prime minister of the United Kingdom began on 24 July 2019 when he accepted an invitation of Queen Elizabeth II to form a government, succeeding Theresa May, and ended on 6 September 2022 upon his resignation. Johnson's premiership was dominated by Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the cost of living crisis. As prime minister, Johnson also served simultaneously as First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, Minister for the Union and Leader of the Conservative Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 British cabinet reshuffle</span> First cabinet reshuffle undertaken by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson carried out the first significant reshuffle of his majority government on 13 February 2020. Following the December 2019 general election, there was considerable speculation that Johnson was planning a major reshuffle of the Cabinet, to take place after the United Kingdom's official withdrawal from the European Union on 31 January 2020. There were reports that up to a third of the Cabinet would be dismissed, Whitehall departments abolished and civil servants replaced by policy experts; however, the reshuffle was smaller than expected and no departments were abolished. The anticipated reshuffle was nicknamed "The St Valentine's Day Massacre" in the press, due to its proximity to St Valentine's Day, the name being a reference to the 1929 gangland shooting in Chicago.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Downing Street refurbishment controversy</span> British political controversy concerning the financing of renovations to 11 Downing Street

The financing of the 2020 refurbishment of the flat above 11 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, became the subject of a controversy in 2021 when allegations were made in the press as to whether an undisclosed loan was used initially to help finance it. An Electoral Commission inquiry found that the Conservative Party had not accurately reported donations to the party and imposed a £17,800 fine on the party. The commission also said that the full cost of the works had been repaid in full in March 2021. The Conservative Party had said at the time that the Prime Minister had met the full cost of the works.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chancellorship of Rishi Sunak</span> Rishi Sunaks tenure at HM Treasury (2020–2022)

Rishi Sunak served as Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom from his appointment on 13 February 2020 to his resignation on 5 July 2022. His tenure was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, with Sunak becoming a prominent figure in the government's response to the pandemic, giving economic support to struggling businesses through various schemes. He was also involved in the government's response to the cost of living crisis, UK energy supply crisis, and global energy crisis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Partygate</span> British political scandal

Partygate is a political scandal in the United Kingdom about gatherings of government and Conservative Party staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, when public health restrictions prohibited most gatherings. The scandal contributed to Boris Johnson's downfall as Prime Minister and his resignation as an MP.

A list of events relating to politics and government in the United Kingdom during 2022.

The July–September 2022 Conservative Party leadership election was triggered by Boris Johnson's announcement on 7 July 2022 that he would resign as Leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, following a series of political controversies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akshata Murty</span> Indian businesswoman (born 1980)

Akshata Narayana Murty is an Indian heiress, businesswoman, fashion designer, and venture capitalist. She is the wife of former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak and the daughter of N. R. Narayana Murthy, a founder of the Indian multinational IT company Infosys, and Sudha Murty. She holds a 0.93 per cent stake in Infosys, along with shares in several other British businesses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">July 2022 United Kingdom government crisis</span> Crisis that led to the end of Boris Johnsons premiership

In early July 2022, 62 of the United Kingdom's 179 government ministers, parliamentary private secretaries, trade envoys, and party vice-chairmen resigned from their positions in the second administration formed by Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, culminating in Johnson's resignation on 7 July. Johnson's premiership had been considered in danger for months after several scandals, but it was the Chris Pincher scandal that was identified to have spurred on the resignations. Considered the "last straw" for the Prime Minister, the scandal arose after it was revealed that Johnson had promoted his Deputy Chief Government Whip Chris Pincher, who was publicly facing multiple allegations of sexual assault, to the position despite knowing of the allegations beforehand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Prime Minister's Resignation Honours (Boris Johnson)</span> British government recognitions

The 2022 Prime Minister's Resignation Honours are honours awarded following the September 2022 resignation of the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

The October 2022 Conservative Party leadership election was triggered by Liz Truss's announcement that she would resign as Leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, amid an economic and political crisis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Premiership of Rishi Sunak</span> Period of Government of the United Kingdom from 2022 to 2024

Rishi Sunak's tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom began on 25 October 2022 when he accepted an invitation from King Charles III to form a government, succeeding Liz Truss, and ended upon his resignation on 5 July 2024. He is the first British Indian and the first Hindu to hold the office. His premiership was dominated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war, the cost-of-living crisis, and the Rwanda asylum plan. As prime minister, Sunak also served simultaneously as First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, Minister for the Union and Leader of the Conservative Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liam Booth-Smith</span> British political adviser (born 1987)

Liam Booth-Smith is a British political adviser who served as the Downing Street Chief of Staff under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from October 2022 to July 2024. He previously served as Sunak's de facto chief of staff as head of the Joint Economic Unit during his chancellorship.

Eleanor, Lady Wolfson of Aspley Guise, generally just Eleanor Shawcross, is a British political advisor, who previously served as the Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

References

  1. ↑ Historic England. "11 Downing Street (1356989)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  2. ↑ "History of Number 11 Downing Street". UK Government. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
  3. ↑ "Boris Johnson and girlfriend take bigger Downing Street flat, leaving smaller one for Javid family" . The Independent. 29 July 2019. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
  4. 1 2 Wingate, Sophie (29 October 2022). "Removal vans in Downing Street as Rishi Sunak moves in". Evening Standard. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  5. 1 2 "Living in Downing Street: Rishi Sunak and family move back in". BBC News. 26 October 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  6. 1 2 "Rishi has multi-million-pound pads, but he's the first PM since John Major to live in 10 Downing Street's flat". Tatler. 25 October 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  7. ↑ Mason, Chris; Capella, Hannah (12 July 2024). "Starmer thanks Hunt's children for 'sweet' notes". BBC News. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  8. ↑ Cox, Montagu H.; Topham Forrest, G. (1931). "'Plate 112: Nos. 10, 11, and 12, Downing Street, plan of ground floor', in Survey of London: Volume 14, St Margaret, Westminster, Part III: Whitehall II". London: British History Online. p. 112. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  9. ↑ "Nine key moments as Leeds hosts Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss Conservative leadership hustings". Yorkshire Evening Post. 29 July 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  10. ↑ A. Seldon & J. Meakin (2016) The Cabinet Office, 1916-2016: The Birth of Modern Government, London: Biteback, Chapter 6
  11. ↑ The Architect and Building News, 25 December 1963
  12. ↑ "Model for the domical ceiling to the eating-room at No. 11 Downing Street, designed by Sir John Soane". Sir John Soane's Museum. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  13. ↑ "10 Downing Street Today". Archived from the original on 7 June 2007. Retrieved 29 May 2007.
  14. ↑ Everett, Michael; Parry, Keith (21 July 2016). Ministerial Residences (Report). Retrieved 31 January 2020– via researchbriefings.parliament.uk.
  15. ↑ "Who lives at No 9 Downing Street?". The Guardian. 22 August 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  16. ↑ "George Osborne spurns Downing Street to remain a Notting Hill Tory". The Daily Telegraph. 26 June 2010.
  17. ↑ "BBC Radio 4 – Gardeners' Question Time – 10 Surprising facts about Number 10 Downing Street". BBC. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
  18. ↑ "Electoral Commission to investigate Boris Johnson's Downing Street flat renovations". BBC News . 28 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  19. ↑ "Cash for curtains: will No. 10 refurb inquiry end up costing PM?". The Week. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  20. ↑ Ivens, Martin. "Boris Johnson's Wallpaper Is a Gamble on Britain's Class Divisions". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  21. ↑ Allegretti, Aubrey. "Boris Johnson furious as inquiry launched into 'cash for curtains'". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  22. ↑ Maise, Desné. "DESNÉ MASIE: Could the 'cash for curtains' scandal be the UK's Nkandla?". Business Day. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  23. ↑ "BoJo 'Cash for Curtains' scandal: "Why lie and cover up in order to bring gaudy gold wallpaper?"". The Global Herald. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  24. ↑ Roberts, Joe. "Boris and Carrie may have to hand over personal emails to 'cash for curtains' inquiry" . Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  25. ↑ Woodcock, Andrew. "Labour seeks Commons standards probe into Boris Johnson flat funding" . The Independent. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.