Leader of the Unionist Party
| Leader of the Unionist Party | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Party leader |
| Status | Chief executive officer |
| Inaugural holder | The Marquess of Dorchester |
| Formation | 1 May 2024 |
The Leader of the Unionist Party is the highest position in the Unionist Party. The current holder of the position is August Carew, 2nd Earl of Strathmore, who assumed the position on 19 November 2025.
From the party's formation until 27 May 2024, there was no formal process for electing a Leader and its inaugural holder, Lord Sidmouth, held the role de facto without contest, with the agreement of the Unionist Frontbench. [1] Following the adoption of the Party Charter during the Unionist's first conference in Brighton, Josephine Carew-Grey, 1st Baroness Wilton was the first Leader to be elected, though she ran unopposed. [2] She assumed the role on 27 June 2024.
When the Unionist Party is the leading parliamentary group in the House of Commons, the Leader of the Party serves as the Prime Minister of Great Britain and First Lord of the Treasury, as well as being responsible for giving binding advice to the Sovereign for the appointment of Ministers of the Crown. Concordantly, when the party is in opposition, the party leader serves as the Leader of the Opposition and Lord Treasurer-Depute, chairing the Shadow Cabinet.
As of July 2025, Josephine Carew was the first and only woman elected party leader.
Five individuals have held the position, three of whom have done so over two or more seperate tenures. Currently, Thomas Carew, The Marquess of Dorchester is the longest serving Leader overall. Madeline Somerset, Duchess of Somerset was the first person elected Party Leader who didn't assume office.
Selection Process
According to Section 1.3.1 of the Unionist Party Charter, the Party Leader is elected from amongst a list of Prospective Candidates, with the election run by the Chair of the Party.
