Who is considered Great Britain's first Prime Minister?

Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford (August 1676 – March 1745) known before 1742 as Sir Robert Walpole, was a British statesman who is generally regarded as the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. Although the exact dates of his dominance are a matter of scholarly debate, 1721–1742 are often used. He dominated the Walpole Townshend Ministry. He holds the record as the longest serving Prime Minister in British history. Critics called his system the "Robinocracy."

He was a Whig from the gentry class, who was first elected to parliament in 1701, and held many senior positions. He was a country squire and looked to country gentlemen for his political base. He was one of the greatest politicians in British history. He played a significant role in sustaining the Whig party, safeguarding the Hanoverian succession, and defending the principles of the Glorious Revolution of 1688. He established a stable political supremacy for the Whig party and taught succeeding ministers how best to establish an effective working relationship between Crown and Parliament.