Who leads the treasury in terms of managing national finances?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the individual responsible for overseeing the treasury and managing national finances in the United Kingdom. This role includes developing and implementing the government's financial and economic policy, which encompasses overseeing government expenditure, taxation, and public debt.

As part of their duties, the Chancellor prepares the annual budget, sets long-term financial strategies, and is a key figure in Treasury decisions regarding fiscal policy. The position holds significant influence over economic matters and acts as the primary spokesperson for the government on economic issues in Parliament and broader public discourse.

While the Prime Minister and other ministers play critical roles in the government, they do not directly manage the national finances to the same extent as the Chancellor. Additionally, the Minister of Finance is not a title commonly used in the UK system; the position equivalent to that role is indeed the Chancellor. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, while supportive of the Chancellor and involved in financial matters, does not lead the treasury or have the overall responsibility for national finances.