UK's Foreign Secretary William Hague resigns

Britain's Foreign secretary William Hague has resigned as part of an anticipated reshuffle of the Conservative-led government ahead of a general election next year.
"Tonight I am standing down as Foreign Secretary after four years to serve as Leader of the House of Commons," Hague wrote on Twitter last night, adding that he would not stand as a member of parliament in the next UK general election.
Hague, who will remain in the cabinet as Leader of the House of Commons, said "Renewal in politics is good and holding office is not an end in itself".
Fresh from his last week visit to India, Hague's recent years have seen him involved with numerous diplomatic efforts including Ukraine and, more notably, Syria.

Although Cameron's reshuffle - biggest since he became the Prime Minister - was expected as he draws the battle lines ahead of a general election next year, there had been no prediction of Hague's resignation.
Hague's expected replacement has been touted as current Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.

The Conservative Party leader from June 1997 to September 2001, Hague served briefly in the cabinet of former British Prime Minister John Major. He became Foreign Secretary in the aftermath of the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrat election victory in 2010.
Hague famously made his debut on the political stage at the age of 16, giving a speech at a 1977 party conference in front of then-leader Margaret Thatcher.

Among others to depart a ministerial post was Tory stalwart Kenneth Clarke - a committed member of the party's pro-Europe faction - who leaves his role as minister without portfolio.
The cabinet reshuffle is expected to be used as an opportunity for Cameron to fill more government roles with women.