Former energy minister Grant Shapps replaced Ben Wallace on Thursday as Britain’s defence minister, a surprise move that reaffirmed London’s support for Ukraine while raising questions over his lack of experience of the military.
Shoring up his team before a national election expected next year and after Wallace resigned, Sunak will likely deploy Shapps’ talent for media communication in his efforts to overturn opposition Labour’s lead in the opinion polls.
“I am looking forward to working with the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who defend our nation’s security. And continuing the UK’s support for Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s barbaric invasion,” Shapps said on X after his appointment was announced by the government.
Britain, a key defence supplier for Ukraine, is trying to increase its production of weaponry, particularly artillery shell, to try to help Kyiv push back Russian forces and replenish its own stockpiles.
Moscow has condemned Britain’s military help to Ukraine, saying it is only extending the conflict.
Several lawmakers in the governing Conservative Party expressed surprise over the appointment of Shapps, questioning his experience in military affairs.
Seen as a safe pair of hands with a penchant for using spreadsheets in his work, Shapps, 54, visited Kyiv earlier this month, announcing export finance guarantees.
Culled from Reuters