MPs and military chiefs question ‘yes man’ Shapps as new defence secretary - UK politics live

Sir Richard Dannatt, the former head of the Armed Forces, says Shapps knows ‘very little’ about defence

Who is new defence secretary Grant Shapps?

Former military chiefs and opposition MPs have questioned the suitability of “yes man” Grant Shapps for his new role as defence secretary.

Mr Shapps, the former energy secretary, was Rishi Sunak’s surprise choice to replace Ben Wallace this morning as the prime minister carried out a mini cabinet reshuffle.

Sir Richard Dannatt, the former head of the Armed Forces, expressed his concern that Mr Shapps had been given the job to “support” Mr Sunak rather than “make the case” for defence budgets.

He also suggested it would take Mr Shapps “some time” to get up to speed with the defence brief, which he knows “very little” about.

Claire Coutinho, a former education minister, replaced Mr Shapps in a major promotion for the East Surrey MP. A close ally of Mr Sunak who previously worked as his adviser, the 38-year-old is the first MP from the 2019 intake to join cabinet.

Key Points

• Former Army chief questions Shapps’s suitability for defence brief
• Claire Coutinho confirmed as energy secretary, replacing Shapps
• Grant Shapps confirmed as defence secretary
• MoD officials did not want Shapps, claims senior Tory

[31 August 2023 09:10 · Matt Mathers]

When did Wallace announce he was quitting politics?

Ben Wallace first revealed that he would stand down at the next election in an interview published on 15 July.

It came after the PM distanced himself from Wallace’s comments on Ukraine, when he said the war-torn country was treating its Western allies like “Amazon” over its demands for more weapons to fight Russia,

Government sources later briefed newspapers that they thought Mr Wallace’s time was up as defence secretary and that he would move on at the next reshuffle.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Mr Wallace, an ally of former prime minister Boris Johnson, said “I’m not standing next time.” He confirmed he would not leave “prematurely” and force a by-election.

Defence secretary was an ally of Boris Johnson who was kept in post by Mr Sunak (PA)

[31 August 2023 08:58 · Matt Mathers]

Wallace: An ‘honour’ to serve alongside MoD colleages

In his resignation letter to Mr Sunak, Mr Wallace also referenced his time as security minister where he was involved in the UK’s response to the Salisbury poisonings.

He says it has been an “honour” to serve alongside Armed Forces colleagues, adding their professionalism throughout the past four years had been “first class”.

Wallace thanks the PM for his investment and continued support of the ministry of defence and thanks Mr Sunak for his leadership.

“As I finish my tenure, I can reflect that the Ministry of Defence that I leave is now more modern, better funded and more confident than the organisation I took over in 2019,” he adds.

“As well as being active around the world we have also invested in prosperity at home. I am proud that I have secured GCAP, AUKUS, NCF, National shipbuilding and the Defence and Security industrial strategies that will secure thousands of British jobs for our young people many years into the future.

“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.”

File photo: Ben Wallace leaving No 10 Downing Street (REUTERS)

[31 August 2023 08:41 · Matt Mathers]

Breaking: Ben Wallace officially resigns

Ben Wallace has officially resigned as defence secretary.

In a letter to the prime minister, Mr Wallace said it had been a “privilege” to serve Mr Sunak and his predecessors.

More follows...

[31 August 2023 08:34 · Matt Mathers]

Runners and riders to replace Wallace

After weeks of speculation over who might replace Mr Wallace, the BBC and multiple newspapers are reporting the prime minister will on Thursday appoint a new defence secretary.

Armed forces minister James Heappey and chief secretary to the Treasury John Glen have both been linked with the role.

The Daily Telegraph also suggested former defence secretary Liam Fox is a possibility.

Dr Fox, who served in the role under prime minister David Cameron between 2010 and 2011, was forced to resign after allowing his friend and best man Adam Werritty to take on an unofficial and undeclared role as his adviser.

The senior Tory MP backed Mr Sunak in last summer’s Conservative leadership race.

Adam Forrest takes a closer look at the favourites to replace Mr Wallace:

[31 August 2023 08:27 · Matt Mathers]

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live politics coverage.

Ben Wallace is expected to be replaced as defence secretary - we’ll be covering this story and others from Westminster and elsewhere.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates.