Just In : UK Appoints New Defence Secretary (DETAILS)
Britains newly appointed Defence Secretary Grant Shapps leaves Number 10 Downing Street 1
Grant Shapps has been appointed as the new UK defence secretary, succeeding Ben Wallace, who stepped down after playing a significant role in shaping the country’s military support for Ukraine against Russia.
Wallace, a well-regarded lawmaker who was once considered a potential party leader, was the longest-serving Conservative defence secretary since Winston Churchill.
He had announced in a July newspaper interview that he would step down before the next government reshuffle and would not contest the expected 2024 general election.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office announced Shapps’ appointment about an hour after he was seen entering 10 Downing Street.
On social media, Shapps expressed his “honour” at being appointed, acknowledging Wallace’s “enormous contribution” to UK defence and global security. He also expressed his eagerness to work with the country’s armed forces and continue supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
Shapps, 54, previously served as home secretary in Liz Truss’s government and held positions as transport secretary under Boris Johnson, business secretary under Sunak, and minister responsible for energy security and net zero.
During a recent visit to Kyiv, Shapps pledged UK support for Ukrainian power plants during the winter and visited a kindergarten attended by the young son of a Ukrainian family he has hosted at his home since Russia’s invasion.
Shapps’ responsibilities as defence secretary will include overseeing UK support for Ukraine, funding the armed forces, addressing personnel cuts, and addressing geopolitical threats, particularly from China.
Ukraine will be a top priority as he takes on this role, along with ensuring the country’s national security and global stability.
