UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to Step Down Following Four Years in Role
Ben Wallace, the current UK Defence Secretary, has announced that he will step down from his position at the next Cabinet reshuffle.
Wallace informed Prime Minister Boris Johnson of his decision on June 16th, according to the BBC.
The former soldier and politician has held the position for four years and played a significant role in the UK's response to the Ukraine war.
Wallace's decision to quit politics was due to the toll it had taken on his family, he told the Sunday Times.
The 53-year-old revealed that he had spent over seven years with three phones by his bed, indicating the demands of the job.
Despite his popularity among Conservative Party members, Wallace had previously stated that he would not be putting himself forward to be the next party leader.
The announcement comes weeks after Wallace was widely reported to be seeking the position of Secretary General of Nato, a role he was ultimately not selected for.
His departure will leave a big vacancy in government, which will need to be filled by Rishi Sunak, who is reportedly planning to shake up his top team.
Wallace has served in government since David Cameron was prime minister and has been a vocal advocate for higher defence spending throughout his tenure as defence secretary.
His exit is likely to be seen as a significant blow for the Conservative Party, with many praising his popularity and experience.
The war in Ukraine continues, and attention will now turn to who has the experience and gravitas to take on the challenge of leading the UK's response to it.
Wallace has stated that he will continue to call for higher defence spending, indicating that he may continue to play a role in the UK's national security.
The former soldier and politician has held the position for four years and played a significant role in the UK's response to the Ukraine war.
Wallace's decision to quit politics was due to the toll it had taken on his family, he told the Sunday Times.
The 53-year-old revealed that he had spent over seven years with three phones by his bed, indicating the demands of the job.
Despite his popularity among Conservative Party members, Wallace had previously stated that he would not be putting himself forward to be the next party leader.
The announcement comes weeks after Wallace was widely reported to be seeking the position of Secretary General of Nato, a role he was ultimately not selected for.
His departure will leave a big vacancy in government, which will need to be filled by Rishi Sunak, who is reportedly planning to shake up his top team.
Wallace has served in government since David Cameron was prime minister and has been a vocal advocate for higher defence spending throughout his tenure as defence secretary.
His exit is likely to be seen as a significant blow for the Conservative Party, with many praising his popularity and experience.
The war in Ukraine continues, and attention will now turn to who has the experience and gravitas to take on the challenge of leading the UK's response to it.
Wallace has stated that he will continue to call for higher defence spending, indicating that he may continue to play a role in the UK's national security.
