Ben Wallace has formally resigned as Defence Secretary this morning, sparking a authorities reshuffle that was rumoured late final night time.

Downing Street refused to verify any plans, however hypothesis has been rife about who will substitute Mr Wallace in the important thing Government job.

In a letter confirming his departure, Mr Wallace mentioned final month marked his fourth yr as Defence Secretary and his ninth as a minister since becoming a member of Parliament in 2005, and whereas it had been a privilege to serve within the position he now needs to "step down".

"I won my seat in 2005 and after so many years it is time for me to invest in the parts of my life that I have neglected, and to explore new opportunities".

Mr Wallace thanked the PM for his assist and friendship, and promised that he and the Government could have his "continued support" from the backbenches.

In response, Mr Sunak mentioned Mr Wallace has "served our country with distinction", and was pleased with how he had led the nation's response to the invasion of Ukraine, throughout which Mr Wallace has performed an "completely very important position in rallying assist for Ukraine at residence and overseas".

He mentioned: "I fully understand your desire to step down after eight years of exacting ministerial duties".

"As you say, the jobs you have done have required you to be available on a continuous basis. But I know you have more to offer public life both here and internationally.

"You depart workplace with my thanks and respect."

The Westminster hearsay mill is now in overdrive as hypothesis mounts about who will substitute Mr Wallace as Defence Secretary.

Up till final night time, the frontrunner for the job was Treasury Minister John Glenn, seen as a protected pair of palms who could be much less demanding on Government funds than Mr Wallace.

However it has now emerged two extra senior and shock names are within the operating for the job: Grant Shapps and Liam Fox.

A bunch of different names are additionally being tipped, together with Jeremy Quin, James Heappey, Tom Tugendhat and Anne-Marie Trevelyan.