utgoing Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has mentioned a Cabinet reshuffle might happen as early as this week.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is considered planning to shuffle his prime ministerial staff as he struggles to satisfy his targets of halving inflation this 12 months and getting the economic system rising forward of a nationwide election anticipated subsequent 12 months.

Mr Wallace mentioned on the weekend that he would go away authorities when the following reshuffle occurs, and step down as an MP on the subsequent election.

“There’s a rumour there’s a reshuffle tomorrow or the day after,” Mr Wallace mentioned on the Future of Britain convention in London on Tuesday, including that he had heard various things on the timing from individuals in authorities.

“But it’s going to happen, right? I mean, it’s going to happen either this week or the first week of September. And that’s just the way it is.”

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Mr Wallace’s timeframe mirrored the summer season holidays when Parliament pauses for recess on Thursday and returns in September.

He mentioned his departure wouldn't influence Britain’s staunch assist for Ukraine, including that he had appointed army chiefs and officers within the defence ministry who would supply continuity.

“Ultimately, the momentum is with Ukraine. It doesn’t need me,” he mentioned.

Mr Wallace mentioned that Mr Sunak was “a bit surprised” however understood the explanations for his departure. He has served as Defence Secretary since 2019 and safety minister earlier than then.

“I’ve done my time. It’s time to move on,” he mentioned.

“I think it’s only fair to the sitting prime minister that he goes into the next election with a Defence Secretary that’s not going to say six weeks before ‘I’m off’.”