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Jack Straw removed from Foreign Office

Hasan Suroor

New British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett. — PHOTO: AP

LONDON: Jack Straw was on Friday removed from the Foreign Office and replaced by Margaret Beckett who becomes Britain's first-ever woman Foreign Secretary after a dramatic Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Tony Blair even as results of local elections, in which Labour got a drubbing, were still coming.

His new job as Leader of the Commons is regarded as a virtual "demotion'' for an active and ambitious politician like him.

Ms. Beckett, a veteran Labour figure, was Environment Secretary and her foray into Foreign Affairs would be watched with interest especially as Mr. Blair flexes his muscles over Iran's nuclear programme.

The biggest casualty of the reshuffle was the Home Secretary Charles Clarke.

Mr. Clarke declined to accept another portfolio and will return to the backbenches.

He has been replaced by John Reid, the Defence Secretary. Des Browne is the new Defence Secretary.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, whose job was said to be on the line because of the controversy over his affair with his secretary, survived the reshuffle though his wings were clipped.

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