Rishi Sunak launched a mini-shuffle today after Ben Wallace formally quit as Defence Secretary.
Mr Wallace confirmed his departure – announced last month – in an exchange of letters with the PM.
Net Zero Secretary Grant Shapps has been given the nod for the key job, meaning there will need to be wider changes in the Cabinet. Children’s minister Claire Coutinho looks set to be promoted to the top table to take over his duties.
Mr Shapps, who was grinning broadly as he entered No10 this morning, has served in a wide variety of posts throughout his political career, but never a defence brief. He did visit Ukraine recently, ostensibly to discuss energy issues.
Mr Shapps said he was ‘honoured’ to be appointed and would continue the ‘fight against Putin’s barbaric invasion’.
Armed Forces Minister James Heappey and Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen had both been linked with the MoD job.
However, there was also speculation about a surprise choice – with former defence secretary Liam Fox among the names mooted.
Grant Shapps, who was grinning broadly as he entered No10 this morning, has served in a wide variety of posts throughout his political career, but never a defence brief
Rishi Sunak is preparing for a mini-shuffle today after Ben Wallace formally quit as Defence Secretary
Mr Wallace confirmed his departure – announced last month – in an exchange of letters with the PM
Dr Fox, who served in the role under prime minister David Cameron between 2010 and 2011, was forced to resign after allowing his friend and best man Adam Werritty to take on an unofficial and undeclared role as his adviser.
Mr Wallace, who served under three prime ministers in his current role, has been lauded for overseeing the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and was a close ally of Boris Johnson.
A favourite among Tory members, he was at one time seen as a potential leadership contender.
However, he ruled himself out of the running for the Conservative leadership last year despite being an early frontrunner in the race to replace Mr Johnson.
Mr Wallace was also touted as the next head of Nato earlier this summer, but his bid was thwarted by opposition from Joe Biden and France – who were adamant the next chief should come from an EU state.
Shortly afterwards Mr Wallace declared he will leave the Commons at the next election, having been embroiled in a row over suggesting Ukraine should show more ‘gratitude’ for Nato support.
In his letter to Mr Sunak, Mr Wallace said: ‘The Ministry of Defence is back on the path to being once again world class with world class people.
‘The United Kingdom is respected around the world for our armed forces and that respect has only grown more since the war in Ukraine.
‘I know you agree with me that we must not return to the days where defence was viewed as a discretionary spend by Government and savings were achieved by hollowing out.’
Mr Sunak praised Mr Wallace, telling him he leaves office with ‘thanks and respect’.
Posting on the X social media site, Mr Wallace said: ‘That’s all folks! Been a privilege to serve this great nation.’
Mr Johnson was among those paying tribute to Mr Wallace’s contribution. ‘Sad to see departure of my friend Ben Wallace. A fine Defence Secretary who got so many calls right – especially on Ukraine,’ he said.
‘Grant Shapps is an excellent choice to succeed him.’
Mr Wallace wrote that he hoped the MoD was on the path to being ‘world class’ again