I am extremely honoured to be the Defence Secretary, and I would not do the job if I did not think that I could make a useful contribution in the role.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I never expected to be Defence Secretary. It's a great privilege.
I was Minister for the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence for two years prior to being appointed Defence Secretary.
I had a passion to not be a secretary forever. I was mindful of the customary career trajectory, and I knew I had to do something remarkable.
I understand all the problems for the Ministry of Defence, of course I do; working within a budget and trying to do so many things is not easy.
I got the chance to be the secretary of state; I'm an international relations specialist. It doesn't get better than that.
From the beginning of my time as Secretary-General, I have sought to advance a practical, action-oriented vision of the U.N. as the voice of the voiceless and the defender of the defenceless.
My job as Labour Home Secretary is to ensure people are prepared to listen to us when we take on our opponents across the political spectrum.
I have no ambitions to be a cabinet minister, or prime minister. I wouldn't wish being prime minister on my worst enemy.
If I had to resign every time the Cabinet disagrees with me, I could not last as a Defense Minister one week.
I was not interested in being minister of defense or minister of foreign affairs.