- By Sam Francis
- Political Reporter, BBC News
August 31, 2023, 09:48 BST
Updated 57 minutes ago
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Grant Shapps is one of the most experienced ministers in government, having held seven cabinet posts since taking office in 2005
Grant Shapps has vowed to “continue the UK’s support for Ukraine” as he takes over as defense secretary from Ben Wallace.
It is Mr Shapps’ fifth cabinet post in less than a year, including roles as energy secretary, transport secretary and, briefly, home secretary.
Ben Wallace will stand down as an MP at the next election after four years as defense secretary.
in one Opinion, Mr Shapps said he was “honored” to take on the role.
Children’s Minister Claire Coutinho has replaced Mr Shapps as Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero.
David Johnston, a Tory backbencher, takes over her role at the Department for Education.
Mr Shapps paid tribute to the “tremendous contribution Mr Wallace has made to the UK’s defense and global security over the last four years”.
“I look forward to working with the brave men and women of our armed forces as they defend our nation’s security,” he added.
Mr Shapps is considered one of the government’s best communicators and has held seven cabinet posts since 2012.
Last October he spent six days as home secretary during Liz Truss’ final chaotic week after Suella Braverman resigned from the role.
He was subsequently appointed business secretary by Mr Sunak, taking over from Ms Truss.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mr Shapps has played a visible role in the UK’s support for the country.
He took part in the Homes for Ukraine program and hosted a refugee family at his home in Hertfordshire.
Mr Shapps visited Ukraine last week in his previous role as energy secretary to highlight the UK government’s role in ensuring supplies of enriched uranium to the country’s nuclear power stations.
Defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, had mixed reactions to Grant Shapps’ appointment.
While some lament his lack of military experience compared to his predecessor Ben Wallace, who served in the Scottish Guards, others say Mr Shapps may have some advantages on his side.
His previous work in the transportation department gave him an understanding of logistics, a key factor in supporting any military operation.
This could also help him tackle the thorny issue of defense procurement, which has been plagued by delays, failures and overspending.
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 stance toward Ukraine often made Britain among the first to offer more lethal weapons such as long-range missiles and main battle tanks, which won him few friends in the White House.
Shadow climate change minister Ed Miliband said Ms Coutinho’s appointment “speaks volumes about the failure of Tory policy as we are now the sixth foreign secretary since 2019”.
“Reshuffling chairs will not deliver the right energy policy the UK needs,” he added.
Meanwhile, Labour’s shadow defense secretary John Healey congratulated Mr Shapps on his appointment.
He said he would work with his counterpart “to ensure the security of our country” – but added that “after 13 years of Tory defense failures, a change at the top will not change that record”.
Liberal Democrat defense spokesman Richard Foord said Mr Sunak had appointed a “yes man” who would be responsible for “reducing troop numbers by 10,000”.
“They have taken the armed forces for granted for too long and that makes us all less safe,” Mr Foord said.
“Personal toll”
Mr Wallace, who served as defense secretary under three prime ministers, said he was stepping down “to invest in the parts of life I have neglected and to explore new opportunities”.
In his resignation letter, Mr. Wallace said his military and political career had been “a personal toll on me and my family.”
Mr Wallace leaves Parliament as one of the government’s most senior ministers.