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British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Born in 1946 in former Lanarkshire, Scotland, Cook dedicated his youth to studying. After his graduation from the University of Edinburgh, he became a teacher but soon pursued a career in politics. On his 28th birthday, he was elected to a seat in the British Parliament.
Before his Labor Party ascended to power in 1997, Cook served in several senior opposition posts, including shadow foreign secretary, shadow trade and industry secretary and shadow health secretary.
He became chair of the Labor Party in October 1996, followed seven months later by his appointment as foreign secretary.