(FILES) In a file picture taken on June 17, 2014 British Foreign Secretary William Hague leaves number 10 Downing Street in London as he leaves to address parliament.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond will become Britain's new foreign secretary after the surprise resignation of William Hague.
The change is part of a major shakeup of Prime Minister David Cameron's Cabinet in advance of the general election next year.
Controversial Education Secretary Michael Gove will also move to a new post as Chief Whip. He is expected to play a role shaping the government's message on television and radio.
The prime minister said Tuesday that Gove would also have a central role in the campaign.
Cameron has also removed a number of mid-level ministers in the most wide-ranging Cabinet changes since he took the helm of a coalition government in 2010.
More changes are expected, with Cameron expected to make the Cabinet younger and with more women.