Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (colloquially called the Foreign Secretary) is a member of the British Government responsible for relations with foreign countries, heading the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (often called simply the Foreign Office). The holder is a member of the Cabinet, and is considered one of the great offices of state.

Secretaries of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

• Michael Stewart (October 17, 1968 - June 19, 1970)
• Sir Alec Douglas-Home (June 20, 1970 - March 4, 1974)
• James Callaghan (March 5, 1974 - April 8, 1976)
• Anthony Crosland (April 8, 1976 - February 19, 1977) (died in office)
• Dr David Owen (February 22, 1977 - May 4, 1979)
• Lord Carrington (May 5, 1979 - April 5, 1982) (resigned)
• Francis Pym (April 6, 1982 - June 11, 1983)
• Sir Geoffrey Howe (June 11, 1983 - July 24, 1989)
• John Major (July 24, 1989 - October 26, 1989)
• Douglas Hurd (October 26, 1989 - July 5, 1995)
• Malcolm Rifkind (July 5, 1995 - May 2, 1997)
• Robin Cook (May 2, 1997 - June 8, 2001)
• Jack Straw (June 8, 2001 -)