The Minister for Energy Security Grand Shops was appointed Defense Minister this Thursday, replacing Ben Wallace, who formally announced his resignation earlier.
Shoppes, 54, a supporter of Rishi Sunak in the Conservative leadership election, is one of the most experienced members of the government, having held portfolios including the economy, home affairs, transport and international development.
The change should result in a small government change.
Ben Wallace, 53, officially resigned as Defense Minister today after expressing his desire to retire from political life over the summer.
Elected vice-president in 2005, he spent nine years in government, including four as defense minister.
This year he became the candidate to succeed Jens Stoltenberg as head of NATO, but did not receive support from the United States and Norway extended his mandate until October 2024.
Despite being recognized for his role in supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, Wallace sparked controversy at a NATO summit in Vilnius in July when he said the UK was not an Amazon arms delivery service and urged Kiev to be discreet. To “show gratitude” to his supporters.
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