Johnson was a leading figure in the victorious “Leave” campaign in Britain’s European Union membership referendum last month and had been considered the front-runner to become prime minister himself before being sidelined by moves against him within the ruling Conservative Party.
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The new Prime Minister used her first act to appoint Philip Hammond as Chancellor, promoting the “safe pair of hands” from the job of Foreign Secretary where he has avoided controversy.
“The queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Boris Johnson MP as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs”, Downing Street said in a statement.
New Prime Minister Theresa May has made Philip Hammond her chancellor as she begins to unveil her ministerial team.
It is the first role in government for Johnson, who was London’s mayor from 2008 to 2016, a spell which included overseeing the 2012 Olympic Games.
Long touted as a successor to David Cameron, Mr Johnson sensationally announced that he would not stand for leader at the last minute before deadlines closed.
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The former Home Secretary has pledged to create a fairer economy and create a government that works in the interests of “ordinary people” rather than the “privileged few”.
