UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace has announced his decision to step down as a lawmaker at the next election. He has served as Defence Secretary since 2019 and has played a crucial role in the UK’s response to the Ukraine war.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Wallace stated that he is leaving frontline politics due to the toll it has taken on his family. He expressed that he will not seek a new seat in the upcoming election, expected to be held in 2024.
This decision by Wallace comes as a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who reportedly plans to make changes to his top team in a Cabinet reshuffle. Wallace is highly regarded as one of the most popular government members, and his departure will be a loss.
The successor for the position of Defence Secretary is yet to be determined. Possible candidates include Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, and Penny Mordaunt, the Minister of State for Trade Policy.
Wallace’s decision to step down reflects the evolving political landscape in the UK. The Ukraine war has placed a renewed emphasis on defence and security. Wallace is seen as a strong advocate for these issues. However, the economic impact of the conflict may have influenced his choice to leave politics.
After his departure from politics, Wallace’s future plans are yet to be revealed. He has expressed that he does not intend to retire. Instead, he may explore opportunities in business or the media.
