Grant Shapps has been appointed Defence Secretary in Rishi Sunak’s mini-reshuffle prompted by Ben Wallace’s formal resignation.
The Prime Minister handed the role overseeing British support to Ukraine during its resistance against the Russian invasion to the energy secretary on Thursday.
That’s all folks! Been a privilege to serve this great nation. Ben Wallace's resignation letter and the Prime Minister's response: 31 August 2023 – https://t.co/wuRcmekTU8 https://t.co/847yME5p7n
— Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) August 31, 2023
Mr Shapps said he was "honoured" to take on the role "continuing the UK's support for Ukraine in their fight against Putin's barbaric invasion".
Mr Shapps has never held a role in the Ministry of Defence before but is taking on his fifth role in the Cabinet in the last year by becoming its Secretary of State.
Mr Shapps said he is “honoured” to become Defence Secretary as he praised Ben Wallace’s time in the role.
Mr Shapps tweeted: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Defence Secretary by @RishiSunak.
“I’d like to pay tribute to the enormous contribution Ben Wallace has made to UK defence & global security over the last 4 years.
“As I get to work at @DefenceHQ 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.”
Education minister Claire Coutinho was seen entering No 10 after Mr Shapps, with his energy role expected to be filled.
