Defence secretary Ben Wallace will be sorely missed – unlike some of his Tory peers

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Britain cannot be taken seriously by other countries until we can demonstrate a more mature, honest and humane mode of government (PA)

Unlike many MPs who are standing down at the next election, defence secretary Ben Wallace will be sorely missed. He has a good, consistent record in the same job under three PMs and is highly regarded.

Indeed, he was considered a serious contender for the job of PM in last year’s Tory leadership debacle. However, he is leaving in a controlled and honourable way unlike Nadine Dorries and some other MPs. The Tory party can be described as a sinking ship that has been floundering, rudderless for many years, finally breaking up on the rocks of its own failures.

Britain cannot be taken seriously by other countries until we can demonstrate a more mature, honest and humane mode of government. Better ministers, legislation that encapsulates the needs of the British people, and transparent governance.