UK election: David Cameron Timeline

New British Prime Minister David Cameron describes himself as a "modern compassionate conservative" and has spoken of a need for a new style of politics, saying that he was "fed up with the Punch and Judy politics of Westminster".

Often compared to Tony Blair, Cameron also likes an informal style, and often cycles to work. Like Blair he too is entering Downing St with a young family - including a baby on the way, due in September.

Here's a timeline of his background:

1966

October 9:

David Cameron born in London. He comes from a fine lineage of City financiers and successfully businesspeople, and even has a hint of blue blood, with a distant link to King William IV in his ancestry.

Cameron is edutcated at Heatherdown Preparatory School, and later, Eton College and Oxford University.

Cameron studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford, and graduated in 1988 with a first class honours degree.

1992

Appointed Treasury special adviser.

1993

Becomes Home Office special adviser

1994

Cameron takes a break from politics for the world of commerce, working as Director of Corporate Affairs for media company Carlton Communications.

1996

June 1:

Cameron marries Samantha Sheffield. They currently have two children, Nancy and Arther. Their first child Ivan, born in 2002, was afflicted with cerebral palsy and died six years later.

1997

Stood for Parliament in Stafford, but defeated.

2001

Elected as a Member of Parliament for Witney.

2003

June:

Cameron is appointed as a shadow minister under Tory Party leader Michael Howard.

2005

December 6:

Cameron becomes leader of the Conservative Party, after Howard announced his resignation.

2010

May 6:

His Conservatives gain the most seats, but are short of a majority, resulting in a hung parliament.

May 11:

Current PM Gordon Brown resigns, and the Queen invites David Cameron to become Prime Minsiter