Grant Shapps appointed defence secretary as Prime Minister carries out mini reshuffle
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rant Shapps was introduced as the brand new defence secretary on Thursday because the Prime Minsiter carried out a mini reshuffle on the coronary heart of his Government.
Rishi Sunak appointed the previous power secretary to the position answerable for the armed forces after Ben Wallace formally resigned.
Mr Shapps paid tribute to his predecessor and added: “I am looking forward to working with the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who defend our nation’s security. And continuing the UK’s support for Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s barbaric invasion.”
It is the fifth senior Cabinet place Mr Shapps has held within the final 12 months, having additionally served as transport secretary, dwelling secretary, enterprise secretary and power secretary.
Mr Wallace introduced final month that he can be leaving the Ministry of Defence after 4 years answerable for the division.
In a letter to Rishi Sunak on Thursday morning, he stated: “As I finish my tenure, I can reflect that the Ministry of Defence that I leave is now more modern, better funded and more confident than the organisation I took over in 2019. As well as being active around the world we have also invested in prosperity at home.
“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.”
He added that his dedication to the armed forces had come at a “personal toll to me and my family”.
“After much reflection, I have taken the decision to ask that I be allowed to step down,” he stated. “I won my seat in 2005 and after so many years it is time for me to invest in the parts of life that I have neglected, and to explore new opportunities.”
The PM stated Mr Wallace has served his nation with “distinction”.
Mr Sunak added: “You have been a vigorous advocate for the defence of the realm.”
Mr Shapps was the shock frontrunner for the job on Thursday morning.
He visited Ukraine final week and tweeted: “What I saw in Kyiv this week was a people resolute in their defiance against Putin’s tyranny and Russia’s aggression.”
Former PM Boris Johnson stated he was “sad to see” the departure of Mr Wallace however “Grant Shapps is an excellent choice to succeed him”.
Mr Wallace, who served below three prime ministers in his present position, performed a key half within the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and was an in depth ally of Boris Johnson.
Popular amongst Tory members, he was at one time seen as a possible management contender.
He dominated himself out of the operating for the Conservative management final yr regardless of being an early frontrunner within the race to exchange Mr Johnson.
His successor will tackle the high-profile position because the conflict in Ukraine continues.
A Labour supply stated: “The outgoing defence secretary has shown real leadership in supporting Ukraine from the start and Labour will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government in support of the people of Ukraine until the war against Russia is won.
“We have to stay the course and see this through. While Ben Wallace deserves credit for his support of Ukraine’s armed forces, his record on British armed forces has been poor, with cuts and procurement failures the order of the day. The new defence secretary needs to get a grip, boost British forces and give them the resources, kit and accommodation they deserve.”