New Defence Secretary announced after Ben Wallace resignation

Rishi Sunak has appointed Grant Shapps as the new Defence Secretary, following the formal resignation of Ben Wallace earlier this morning.

The Prime Minister handed the role overseeing British support to Ukraine during its resistance against the Russian invasion to the prominent Cabinet figure on Thursday.

In his resignation letter to the Prime Minister, 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 Wallace announced last month that he would resign from the senior Cabinet role at the next reshuffle, bringing an end to his four years in the job.

Mr Sunak praised Mr Wallace, telling him he leaves office with the Prime Minister’s “thanks and respect”.

Mr Wallace, who served under three prime ministers in his current role, played a key role in the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and was a close ally of Boris Johnson.

Who's replacing Grant Shapps?

Rishi Sunak has appointed Claire Coutinho as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The Education Minister was seen entering shortly after Grant Shapps this morning.

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