UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace to Step Down in Government's Next Cabinet Reshuffle

Wallace informed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of his plans on June 16, but had hoped to make the announcement later in the summer.

Wallace has been in politics since 1999 and has served as defense chief since July 2019.

The development comes days after Wallace caused controversy by suggesting that Ukraine should show more gratitude to "doubting politicians" in the US and other allied countries.

During a NATO summit in Lithuania on July 12, Wallace said: "There's a slight word of caution here which is, whether you like it or not people want to see gratitude." His comments caused a diplomatic stir, with Sunak forced to intervene to calm the situation.

Wallace's name had been mentioned as a potential candidate to become the next secretary-general of NATO, but the defense alliance ultimately decided to extend Jens Stoltenberg's term by a year.

Wallace's departure from the government is expected to create a vacancy in the Cabinet, and it remains to be seen who will be appointed as his successor.