BBC News 31 August 2023
Grant Shapps has been announced as defence secretary, replacing Ben Wallace who has resigned after four years in the role.
It is Mr Shapps' fifth cabinet job in less than a year, including roles as energy secretary, transport secretary and, briefly, home secretary.
In a statement, Mr Shapps said he would continue Mr Wallace's "support for Ukraine in their fight against Putin".
Mr Shapps said he was "honoured" to be given the role and paid tribute to the "enormous contribution Mr Wallace has made to UK defence and global security over the last four years".
"I am looking forward to working with the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who defend our nation's security," he added.
Mr Wallace, who served as defence secretary under three prime minister, said he was stepping down "to invest in the parts of life that I have neglected, and to explore new opportunities".
In his resignation statement Mr Wallace said his military and political careers has come at "a personal toll to me and my family".
Mr Wallace leaves parliament as one of the longest serving ministers in government.
As defence secretary he oversaw the evacuation of military personal from Afghanistan as well as the UK's military contribution to the Ukraine War.
He also called for an increase funding for the armed forces claiming the British army had been "hollowed out" over 30 years.
Children's Minister Claire Coutinho is expected to replace Mr Shapps as Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, the BBC understands.
Defence figures, speaking on condition of anonymity, have given the appointment of Grant Shapps a mixed reaction.
While some bemoan his lack of military experience compared to his predecessor Ben Wallace, who served in the Scots Guards, others say Mr Shapps may have some advantages on his side.
His previous work in the department for transport will have given him some idea of logistics, a key factor in supporting any military operation.
This may also help him grip the thorny problem of defence acquisition which has been plagued by delays, failures and overspends.
But there is no doubt that Mr Wallace will be missed by many in the military for his relentless push for more resources.
His forward-leaning stance on Ukraine often made the UK one of the first to offer more lethal weaponry like long-range missiles and main battle tanks, something which won him few friends in the White House.
