Former London mayor Boris Johnson named UK foreign secretary

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson has been appointed Britain’s new foreign secretary, one of the biggest jobs in government.

READ MORE: Europe in disarray as leaders try to rethink union after Brexit aftermath

Johnson was one of the leaders of the campaign to leave the European Union. He has been given the job by new Prime Minister Theresa May, who backed the losing “remain” side ahead of the referendum.

WATCH: Boris Johnson calls ‘Brexit’ vote ‘glorious opportunity’ for Britain 

1:25 Boris Johnson calls ‘Brexit’ vote ‘glorious opportunity’ for Britain

Johnson had hoped to become British prime minister but saw his dream fade amid Conservative Party plotting after last month’s vote.

He will not be responsible for leading Britain’s EU exit talks. That job will go to Veteran Conservative euroskeptic David Davis, the new dedicated “minister for Brexit.”

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Davis has been appointed to lead Britain’s exit talks with the European Union. May named Davis to the newly created post of secretary of state for exiting the European Union.

Davis is a long-serving lawmaker who often clashed with May when she was home secretary over privacy and free-speech issues. He has criticized British spies’ snooping powers for being too intrusive.

He has long advocated leaving the European Union, a plan he will now be in charge of implementing following Britain’s vote to quit the bloc.