Ben Wallace, the United Kingdom’s Defence Secretary, formally submitted his resignation on Thursday, sparking speculation that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will announce his successor later in the day.
Wallace had previously stated that he would resign before the next Cabinet reshuffle. Marking the end of his four-year tenure overseeing the military response to the war in Ukraine.
In his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Sunak, Wallace emphasised the need for increased military funding, a long-standing concern of his.
“I genuinely believe that over the next decade, the world will get more insecure and more unstable,” Wallace wrote in his letter. “We both share the belief that now is the time to invest. Ever since I joined the Army, I have dedicated myself to serving my country. That dedication, however, comes at a personal toll on me and my family.”
No Premature Resignation
Ben Wallace had initially revealed his intention to step down at the next election in an interview published on July 15. This decision followed a divergence in views between Wallace and the Prime Minister concerning Ukraine. Wallace had criticized Ukraine’s demands for more weapons to combat Russia, likening it to treating Western allies like “Amazon.”
Government sources subsequently indicated that Wallace’s time as defence secretary was drawing to a close. Moreover,, he would likely be replaced during the next reshuffle.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Wallace, a former ally of ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, clarified his stance, stating, “I’m not standing next time.” He confirmed that he would not resign prematurely, thereby avoiding a by-election.
Grant Shapps Expected to Replace Ben Wallace
Wallace, the Member of Parliament for Wyre and Preston North, has held the defence secretary role since 2019. During his tenure, he oversaw the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan. Along with the UK’s response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
According to reports, Prime Minister Sunak is anticipated to unveil the new appointee for the position of defence secretary following Ben Wallace’s resignation later today. It is widely expected that Grant Shapps will assume the role. Although several other individuals have been associated with the position. These include Jeremy Quin, who serves as the Cabinet Office minister, and John Glen, the Treasury minister. In addition to Defense Minister James Heappey. Additionally, there are suggestions that Liam Fox, a former defence secretary, could be considered. Along with the current energy secretary, Grant Shapps.