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Robin Cook held frontbench posts for Labour from 1986 and became foreign secretary when the party came to power after the 1997 general election.

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Mr Cook's tenure as foreign secretary between 1997 and 2001 ensured that he won prominent admirers around the world.

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Mr Cook was considered to be one of the Commons' most intelligent MPs and was highly regarded for his oratory skills.

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In his spare time, Mr Cook was known to be a passionate horse-racing fan.

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The former foreign secretary's stance on Iraq, which prompted his resignation from the Cabinet in March 2003, enhanced his reputation as a man of principle.

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The former foreign secretary courted controversy throughout his career, but was respected by both friends and opponents for his integrity.