Conservative MP Andrew Murrison has been appointed to the UK’s foreign and commonwealth office, ending speculation that Alistair Burt may retake the role.
Mr Murrison has served the government as a minister in the defence and Northern Ireland departments previously. He will now oversee international development and the Middle East, in a role that remained open since Alistair Burt sensationally quit in March.
Mr Murrison served for 18 years as a medical officer in the Royal Navy, leaving in October 2000 as a surgeon commander. In 2003 he was recalled to serve in Iraq.
Dr Andrew Murrison MP (@AWMurrison) has been appointed as Minister of State at @DFID_UK and Minister of State for the Middle East at @foreignoffice: https://t.co/euonp3nKff pic.twitter.com/IqbLbWXM0w
— DFID (@DFID_UK) May 9, 2019
Alistair Burt, who quit to vote against a no-deal Brexit told LBC radio he would “love” to go back to the position on Wednesday. By Thursday evening, Mr Murrison had been appointed.
Delighted to welcome @AWMurrison to the @foreignoffice as Minister of State. I look forward to working with him to ensure UK’s voice in the Middle East is heard. He has served in the region both in military uniform and as trade envoy and brings a wealth of experience to the role
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) May 9, 2019
His portfolio will now cover the Middle East.
"If you really want to do something, even in politics, why don’t you say so rather than pretending,” Mr Burt said.