What is a shadow secretary? like in the UK?

A shadow secretary/minister is the politician from the opposition party (not in power) who is the opposition's expert on the area the real secretary/minister (of the ruling party) is concerned with. Often also the one who'd aspire to the position once the opposition comes into power.

For example, the foreign secretary is the one who's actually doing the job, the shadow foreign secretary expresses the opposition's take on how the job should be done, and ogles the position in case of electoral victory.

In the UK (a parliamentary system of government), the majority party in the House of Commons forms the government (what we call an "administration" in the US). At any time, that majority may fall and the largest minority party may need to form a government. Thus, the minority parties name its leader (shadow prime minister) and cabinet designees (shadow ministers) for that scenario.

In practice... these shadow ministers focus their attention on the issues that relate to that office which they would hold... allot like members of the US Congress specializing in specific legislative or oversight issues by the committee assignments they chair.

I dunno but I'll take one as long as she is shadowy and sexy=)