LONDON (AP) — Defense Secretary Philip Hammond will become Britain’s new foreign secretary as Prime Minister David Cameron shakes up his Cabinet ahead of an election next year.
Michael Fallon was named to the top defense post, moving up from being a junior minister dealing with energy, business and enterprise.
Controversial Education Secretary Michael Gove becomes Chief Whip, shaping the Conservative-led government’s message on television and radio, and will have a central role in the campaign, Cameron said Tuesday.
William Hague stepped down as foreign minister Monday night and will serve as leader of the House of Commons until he leaves national politics next year. He played a major role during a series of crises in the Middle East during his tenure.
Cameron also removed a number of mid-level ministers in the most wide-ranging Cabinet changes since he took the helm of a coalition government in 2010.
More changes are expected, with Cameron expected to make the Cabinet younger and with more women.
