Great Britain: Ben Wallace resigns after 9 years in government. Grant Shapps appointed as replacement

In Great Britain, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, 53, is stepping down from government and politics after nine years in government, four of which were spent at the Ministry of Defence.

Ben Wallace formally resigned, Downing Street was informed on Thursday 31 August.

«I was elected as an MP in 2005 and, after so many years, it is time to invest myself in the aspects of life that I have neglected and to explore new opportunities» the 53-year-old politician said in his letter of resignation published by the Prime Minister’s Office, Rishi Sunak.

In the process, Sunak appointed Grant Shapps, a loyal supporter with a rich ministerial career, to this key post.

The Conservative, who turns 55 in September, had been Minister for Energy Security and Carbon Neutrality since February

Instead of a specialist in military matters, Rishi Sunak has chosen someone with strong political experience for this major portfolio, at a time when the UK is one of Kiev’s main supporters in the face of the Russian invasion.

According to the British press, this planned change is part of a wider reshuffle of the government to allow the Prime Minister to prepare for next year’s general election, which promises to be difficult for the Conservatives, who have been in power for thirteen years, against Labour. But the latest information suggests that this reshuffle will take place later in the autumn.