Robert Walpole was a British statesman who is considered the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. He served as Prime Minister from 1721 to 1742, making him the longest-serving Prime Minister in British history. Walpole is known for his skillful management of the government and for establishing the office of Prime Minister as the central authority in the British political system. He was a key figure in shaping the modern British political system and is often credited with laying the foundation for the development of the Prime Minister's role as the head of the government.