Ed Miliband has become the new Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom
The British Government announced the appointment.
Ed Miliband took over as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on 20 July 2026.
The post of Foreign Secretary is one of the four highest government posts in the UK, alongside those of Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary.
Miliband was initially tipped as one of the leading contenders for the post of Chancellor of the Exchequer. However, Andy Burnham appointed him to lead the country’s foreign policy, whilst John Healy took charge of the Treasury.
Miliband succeeded Yvette Cooper as Foreign Secretary. In the new government, she became Secretary of State for Health.
What will Miliband be responsible for?
The British Foreign Secretary is responsible for the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, foreign policy, international cooperation and the coordination of the government team in this area.
His remit also includes intelligence policy, participation in the National Security Council, international migration issues and foreign policy measures to support economic development.
Key areas of focus for the new minister will include relations with allies, the UK’s participation in NATO, support for Ukraine, engagement with the European Union and London’s policy on the war in the Middle East.
What is known about Ed Miliband
Ed Miliband served as Minister for Energy Security and Climate Neutrality from 5 July 2024 to 20 July 2026.
He was first elected to the House of Commons for the Doncaster North constituency in May 2005. In 2007, he served as a Minister of the Cabinet, and from 2008 to 2010 he headed the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
From 2010 to 2015, Miliband was Leader of the Labour Party and led the parliamentary opposition. Following Labour’s return to power in 2024, he once again took up a post in the government.
Miliband graduated from the University of Oxford, where he studied philosophy, politics and economics. He subsequently obtained a Master’s degree in economics from the London School of Economics.
Who has remained in the new government
Shabana Mahmood has retained her post as Home Secretary. She will be responsible for internal security, immigration policy, policing and the fight against crime.
John Healy has become Chancellor of the Exchequer, whilst Wes Streeting has taken the helm at the Ministry of Defence. Louise Hay has been appointed First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Yvette Cooper has been appointed Secretary of State for Health, whilst Angela Rayner has returned to the government as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
How Andy Burnham took the helm of the government
Andy Burnham became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 20 July following the resignation of Keir Starmer. King Charles III tasked the new leader of the Labour Party with forming a government.
Burnham returned to the House of Commons in June 2026 after winning the election in the Makerfield constituency. Prior to that, he had served as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017.
On 16 July, Burnam was elected leader of the Labour Party. One of the new Prime Minister’s first decisions was to form a Cabinet and appoint heads of key departments.
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