London
Britain’s Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has reportedly said he will quit in the next cabinet reshuffle after four years in the job. Wallace, who has played a key role in Britain’s response to the Ukraine war, told the Sunday Times he would not stand at the next general election, but ruled out leaving “prematurely” and calling a by-election. He has served as Defense Secretary under three Prime Ministers.
According to a BBC report, Rishi Sunak is reportedly planning to make changes to his top team but no date has been confirmed. The Guardian cited multiple reports as saying that his departure was not related to the current challenges facing the Conservative Party. “I entered politics in 1999 in the Scottish Parliament. Means 24 years. “I’ve spent more than seven years with three phones by my bedside,” Wallace told the Sunday Times.
Wallace, who has served in the post longer than any Conservative Defense Secretary before him, told the newspaper he was conscious of the effect the job would have on his family. He told the newspaper: “While I am proud to have worked with so many wonderful people and contributed to the defense of this great country, the cost of putting it ahead of my family is something I am deeply saddened by.” Wallace, a former soldier, is a popular figure in the Conservative Party and was at times seen as a strong contender to become party leader, although he never stood for a leadership election.
