Surprise frontrunner tipped to replace Ben Wallace as defence secretary

Back in July, Wallace announced he would be stepping down from the role after four years – and that he would not be standing for re-election as an MP at the general election, expected next year.  This left Rishi Sunak needing a new face to head-up the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Armed forces minister James Heappey, security minister Tom Tugendhat and Anne-Marie Trevelyan, a Foreign Office minister, had all been suggested to be leading candidates. However, sources reported to be ” familiar with the matter” have said another name is now considered to be the favourite for the role. Rishi Sunak and Ben Wallace (Image: Getty) A national newspaper reports that energy security secretary Grant Shapps is being tipped for the role by those in the know. Shapps visited Ukraine last week and said: “Our support for Ukraine is unwavering in the face of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s barbaric invasion – the UK continues to stand with Ukraine as they repel Russian attacks and rebuild their country. ‘Being here on the ground, it’s truly remarkable witnessing first-hand the sheer courage, resolve and gritty determination of the Ukrainian people. ‘Putin has used energy as a weapon of war: the action today to support nuclear fuel deliveries will help Ukraine end their reliance on Russian supplies and bolster their energy security.’ Grant Shapps has been tipped as frontrunner (Image: Getty) However, Government insiders reportedly said that while Shapps is now considered to be the frontrunner, it was not nailed-on that he would be appointed. T he Financial Times noted that, if appointed, the role would be the fifth cabinet job Shapps has had in the past year. Shapps served as transport secretary, home secretary and business secretary, before being appointed as energy security and net zero secretary in February. The Defence Secretary appointment comes amid growing speculation that Sunak will minimise making changes to his cabinet ahead of parliament’s return from the summer recess on Monday. However, reports suggest the PM will make a bigger Cabinet reshuffle later this year , when he will put Tories on an election footing. Downing Street has declined to comment on the reshuffle speculation.