LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Jeremy Hunt as foreign minister on Monday after predecessor Boris Johnson resigned in protest at the governments plans for a close trading relationship with the European Union.
The appointment of Hunt, the long-serving health minister, sees a close May ally replace the maverick Johnson, and could alter the Brexit balance of Mays top ministerial team.
While Johnson was one of the most high-profile Brexit campaigners, Hunt backed “Remain” during the 2016 referendum campaign.
Hunt told LBC Radio in October 2017, however, that he had changed his mind on the issue, in part because of what he said was disappointing “arrogance” in the EUs behaviour during negotiations.
Last month, Hunt said it was inappropriate for businesses like Airbus (AIR.PA) to issue warnings about moving jobs because of Brexit and that they should instead be getting behind May in her push for a good deal on leaving the EU.
“Huge honour to be appointed Foreign Secretary at this critical moment in our countrys history,” he said in a tweet after his appointment.
“Time to back our PM to get a great Brexit deal – its now or never…”
Hunt, 51, had served as health minister for more than 5-1/2 years, the longest term of any in the history of the state-funded National Health Service, weathering doctors strikes, public discontent with funding levels and other challenges.
Hunt said it was a “massive wrench” for him to leave the department, adding: “I know some staff havent found me the easiest Health Sec”.
Matt Hancock replaced Hunt as health secretary, while Attorney General Jeremy Wright was appointed as minister of digital culture, media and sport, Hancocks old job.
Mays office said Geoffrey Cox would be the new attorney general.
Reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Gareth Jones and Peter Cooney
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