What Boris Johnson did as Foreign Secretary
Boris Johnson served as Foreign Secretary in the United Kingdom from July 2016 to July 2018, under Prime Minister Theresa May. In this cabinet role, he was responsible for shaping and communicating the country’s external relations, overseeing the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and representing the UK in diplomatic forums and international negotiations. This profile summarizes his tenure, institutional duties, and notable events during his time in post, drawing on official records and authoritative public sources.
Duties of the UK Foreign Secretary
The Foreign Secretary leads the foreign ministry, sets diplomatic priorities, advises the Prime Minister and Cabinet on international affairs, and manages the UK’s diplomatic network abroad. Key functions include negotiating treaties and agreements, coordinating responses to global crises, promoting British interests overseas, and overseeing international development policy aligned with the Foreign Office mission. The role requires regular engagement with allies, multilateral institutions, and partners on security, trade, climate, and humanitarian issues.
Core responsibilities
- Oversight of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and diplomatic posts.
- Representation of the UK at international meetings, including the United Nations and G7/G20.
- Development and implementation of the Global Britain agenda post-Brexit.
- Oversight of conflict resolution, counterterrorism, and international security policy.
- Management of the UK’s development and humanitarian assistance budgets.
Tenure and appointment context
Johnson was appointed Foreign Secretary on 13 July 2016, following the referendum on European Union membership and amid discussions about the UK’s future global role. His tenure coincided with the early stages of Brexit negotiations and a period of significant diplomatic realignment. He stepped down on 9 July 2018 during a cabinet reshuffle, after publicly disagreeing with the direction of Brexit negotiations and the terms of the Chequers plan discussed by the Prime Minister.
Notable events and policy themes
During his time in office, Johnson engaged in high-profile diplomacy on issues such as the conflict in Syria, relations with the European Union, and the UK’s engagement beyond Europe, including in the Indo-Pacific. He was also involved in communications regarding the poisoning incident in Salisbury, alongside responses to wider security challenges. While he publicly affirmed the importance of international partnerships, his tenure was marked by tensions between diplomatic rhetoric and the practical constraints of preparing for a post-Brexit UK role on the world stage.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Term start | 13 July 2016 | Official appointment record |
| Term end | 9 July 2018 | Official appointment record |
| Prime Minister | Theresa May (Conservative) | Government directory |
| Department | Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) | Government structure |
| Key context | Brexit negotiations and diplomatic reassignment | Parliamentary and official statements |
Relationship to the Prime Minister and Cabinet dynamics
The Foreign Secretary operates within the Cabinet Office framework and under the direction of the Prime Minister. Johnson’s relationship with Theresa May was initially aligned, but reportedly became strained as Brexit negotiations intensified and policy preferences diverged. Disagreements over the Chequers plan and the future shape of the UK–EU relationship influenced his decision to resign. The episode illustrated the interplay between foreign policy strategy, party internal politics, and cabinet cohesion in the UK system.
International engagements and communications
As Foreign Secretary, Johnson delivered speeches on global Britain, addressed the United Nations General Assembly, and met with counterparts from NATO and European partners. He emphasized maintaining strong alliances while preparing for a new stage in UK external relations after Brexit. Public statements during his tenure underscored continuity in British diplomacy, even as the legal and institutional effects of leaving the EU were still being determined.
Status and legacy considerations
Because the Foreign Secretary role is a long-standing, high-profile Cabinet position, holders’ tenures are often reviewed for policy impact and institutional memory. Johnson’s time as Foreign Secretary is commonly referenced in assessments of ministerial responsibility, Brexit-related diplomatic challenges, and the management of public communication during sensitive international events. Assessments note both continuity in UK diplomatic practices and the constraints introduced by domestic political developments.
