Andrew Murrison becomes minister in UK’s foreign office

The move ends speculation on a return for Alistair Burt

Alistair Burt was rumoured to be poised for a return to the Foreign Office. Reuters/Neil Hall

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.

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.

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.