It was a move that set the government up for severe criticism as pressure groups and the media took ministers to task for allowing sales of Hawk jets and their spare parts to countries such as Indonesia and Zimbabwe.

The arms to Africa affair and problems in his personal life also saw Cook take a bruising in the media.

The foreign secretary has also taken flak for receiving a leaked select committee report, and has been accused of misleading Parliament over whether he put it to use.

A firm pro-European, Cook is keen to see Britain taking a leading role in the EU.