Rishi Sunak admits he is 'sad' at defence chief Ben Wallace's decision to quit

17 July 2023 , 10:42

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Rishi Sunak said he was sad Ben Wallace planed to leave (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Rishi Sunak paid tribute to outgoing Defence Secretary Ben Wallace today - revealing he had already been planning to quit.

The Cabinet Minister announced he would relinquish his role at the next reshuffle, widely expected in September. He will stand down for Parliament at the next election, which must be held by January 2025 and is expected in autumn 2024.

It brings to 43 the number of Tory MPs quitting the Commons, amid growing Conservative fears Labour will march into government. Critics highlighted Mr Wallace’s looming exit as further evidence the Tories are heading for opposition.

Mr Sunak insisted the Defence Secretary’s announcement was not sudden. "Ben's been talking to me about this for a little while, I wish him well, he's got a distinguished record in public service," the Prime Minister said.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace will leave the Cabinet at the next reshuffle (PA)

"Actually the UK, over the last few years, has played a leadership role when it comes to security and defence matters. I saw that first-hand myself when I was at the Nato summit last week and I can see the respect that other countries have for the UK's role, our leadership on defence matters, the fact that we have consistently invested in defence, the fact that we have led the conversation on supporting Ukraine.

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"Those are all things that the British public should be really proud about, our country's role." Mr Sunak said "of course I am" when asked if he was sad to see his Defence Secretary go.

"Ben's been a great Defence Secretary. I've enjoyed working with him and he's got a track record he can be very proud of," the PM added. "But, look, he's been in politics and public service for a very long time, and, as he said, he wants to be able to spend more time with his family, and as a dad myself I completely understand and sympathise with that."

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Ben Glaze