| Shadow Secretary of State for Defence | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Appointer | Leader of the Opposition |
| Inaugural holder | Denis Healey |
| Formation | 1 April 1964 |
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The shadow secretary of state for defence is a member of the UK Shadow Cabinet responsible for the scrutiny of the secretary of state for defence and the department, the Ministry of Defence. The post is currently held by James Cartlidge.