UK defense Minster Ben Wallace resigns, Grant Shapps succeeds him

The UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace submitted his resignation on Thursday to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, prior to an expected cabinet reshuffle.

Wallace stepped down from his role after four years as Defense Secretary.

He served as Defense Minister under three prime ministers and led the UK’s response to COVID-19, and the Kingdom’s response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

The former Defense Secretary previously hinted at his willingness to resign at the next cabinet reshuffle, which will probably take place in September.

This decision comes as a result of the toll it had placed on him and his family, according to his resignation letter. He said, “Ever since I joined the Army I have dedicated myself to serving my country. That dedication however comes at a personal toll to me and my family.”

In his letter to Sunak, Wallace said, “I won my seat in 2005 and after so many years it is time for me to invest in the parts of life I have neglected and to explore new opportunities.”

Sunak commended Wallace for his work, responding in a letter: “I fully understand your desire to step down after eight years of exacting ministerial duties.”

The UK Prime Minister quickly appointed Grant Shapps, former Energy Minister, as Britain’s new Defense Minister earlier this morning.

The king has approved this appointment.

Sunak’s newly appointed key ally expressed his honor at being appointed and praised Ben Wallace for his contribution to UK defense and global security over the last four years, in a tweet on X.

Shapps’ appointment is improbable to affect Britain’s support for Ukraine as he posted on X, “I am looking forward to working with the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who defend our nation’s security. And continuing the UK’s support for Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s barbaric invasion.”