March 7 (Bloomberg) -- Francis Pym, who was the U.K.'s Foreign Secretary during the Falklands War in 1982, has died, the Conservative Party said.

Pym, who was 86, was a senior minister in Margaret Thatcher's first government, serving as defense secretary and leader of the House of Commons before being appointed Foreign Secretary when Peter Carrington resigned over the Falklands crisis. Pym died early today, the party said.

Pym opposed some of Thatcher's economic reforms and was removed from the cabinet in 1983 after her second election victory. He fought in Africa and Italy during World War II and was made a Baron in 1987, allowing him to sit in the House of Lords.

Conservative Party leader David Cameron said he was sad to hear the news. ``He served the country he loved with great courage in wartime and great distinction in peace. His was a life dedicated to the cause of public service,'' Cameron said in an e- mailed statement.

To contact the reporter on this story: Thomas Penny in London tpenny@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: March 7, 2008 11:51 EST