Shock frontrunner tipped to exchange Ben Wallace as defence secretary

Back in July, Wallace introduced he could be stepping down from the position after 4 years – and that he wouldn’t be standing for re-election as an MP on the normal election, anticipated subsequent yr. 

This left Rishi Sunak needing a brand new face to head-up the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Armed forces minister James Heappey, safety minister Tom Tugendhat and Anne-Marie Trevelyan, a Foreign Office minister, had all been urged to be main candidates.

However, sources reportedly “familiar with the matter” have stated one other identify is now thought-about to be the favorite for the position.

A nationwide newspaper experiences that power safety secretary Grant Shapps is being tipped for the position by these within the know. Shapps visited Ukraine final week and stated: “Our assist for Ukraine is unwavering within the face of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s barbaric invasion – the UK continues to face with Ukraine as they repel Russian assaults and rebuild their nation.

“Being here on the ground, it’s truly remarkable witnessing first-hand the sheer courage, resolve and gritty determination of the Ukrainian people.

“Putin has used energy as a weapon of war: the action today to support nuclear fuel deliveries will help Ukraine end their reliance on Russian supplies and bolster their energy security.”

However, Government insiders reportedly stated that whereas Shapps is now thought-about to be the frontrunner, it was not nailed-on that he could be appointed. The Financial Times noted that, if appointed, the role would be the fifth cabinet job Shapps has had in the past year.

Shapps served as transport secretary, home secretary and business secretary, before being appointed as energy security and net zero secretary in February. The Defence Secretary appointment comes amid growing speculation that Sunak will minimise making changes to his cabinet ahead of parliament’s return from the summer recess on Monday.

However, reports suggest the PM will make a much bigger Cabinet reshuffle later this yr, when he’ll put Tories on an election footing. Downing Street has declined to touch upon the reshuffle hypothesis.