Jeremy John Irons (born 19 September 1948) was the 9th Prime Minister of the Republic of England, serving from 2005 to 2008, when he stepped aside in favor of Hugh Grant after the general election. He was leader of the Conservative Party from 2001 until 2008 and represents the constituency of Henley in Parliament. Irons won the party leadership in 2001 after winning a runoff against right-wing firebrand George Brandon, and then proceeded to stand as party leader in the ensuing three elections, winning in 2005 and 2008.