Jeremy Hunt has been named as Boris Johnson’s successor as foreign secretary.

It comes after Mr Johnson resigned from his post on Monday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Matt Hancock, the culture, media and sport secretary, will take the position of health secretary vacated by Mr Hunt.

Jeremy Hunt is the new foreign secretary (Picture: PA)

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Jeremy Wright will take Mr Hancock’s previous position, Downing Street said.


In a statement, Downing Street said: ‘The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.’

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Tweeting about the news, Mr Hunt wrote: ‘Huge honour to be appointed foreign secretary at this critical moment in our country’s history. Time to back our PM to get a great Brexit deal – it’s now or never…



‘Massive wrench for me to leave health – I know some staff haven’t found me the easiest health sec but the NHS, and particularly patient safety, has become my passion and it really was the greatest privilege of my life to serve for so many years.’

Mr Hunt backed Remain ahead of the EU referendum and is said to favour keeping close economic ties to the bloc when the UK leaves next year.

Matt Hancock has also had a promotion and is the new health secretary (Picture: PA)

Mr Hancock celebrated his promotion by tweeting: ‘Really looking forward to joining @DHSCgovuk at such an important time for our great NHS. I can’t wait to get started.’

Theresa May’s Government was plunged into chaos on Monday following the resignations of Mr Johnson and Brexit secretary David Davis.

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The two men stood down from the Cabinet within three days of a mammoth summit at Chequers – which ended with ministers agreeing on a new Brexit strategy.

Although both men agreed to the new plan, both had privately expressed their reservations.

It dealt a blow to hardline Brexiters as the UK agreed to remain in line with the EU on rules for industrial and agricultural goods, based on a ‘common rule book’.

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