Secretary of State for Defence (Fatrea)
| Secretary of State for Defence | |
|---|---|
Incumbent Vacant | |
| Ministry of Defence | |
| Style | The Right Honourable |
| Type | Minister of the Crown |
| Member of | Cabinet |
| Reports to | Prime Minister |
| Nominator | Prime Minister |
| Appointer | Monarch |
| Term length | At His Majesty's Pleasure |
| Formation | 15 February 2024 |
| Unofficial names | Defence Secretary |
The Secretary of State for Defence, commonly known as the Defence Secretary, is a minister of the crown in the Government of Fatrea with overall responsibility for the Ministry of Defence. As a senior minister, they are a member of the cabinet. They also are a member of the defence council.
The defence secretary is supported by and has overall responsibility for the ministry of defence. The corresponding member of the shadow cabinet is the shadow secretary of state for defence.
The office is currently vacant.
Responsibilities
The remit of the defence secretary includes:
- Strategic Military and Defence Operations
- Some Oversight of the Defence Council
- Relations with International Defence Partners
- Defence Policy, Recourses and Planning
- Communications on Defence
- Defence Procurement
The defence secretary also has some authority over the armed forces. As ex officio a member of the defence council, they work with senior military officials to oversee the armed forces.
History
The role of defence secretary was established on 15 February 2024, with the formation of the Fatrean government. It was established to oversee the ministry of defence and support the government on matters of national security and defence.
Appointment
Like other cabinet ministers, the defence secretary is appointed by the monarch - as proscribed by the constitution. The appointment is done on the nomination of the prime minister. The officeholder is constitutionally required to be a member of one of the houses of parliament. As a secretary of state, it is expected the officeholder will be appointed from the House of Commons - like other senior members of the government. However, they can originate from either house of parliament.