Ben Wallace has formally resigned as Defence Secretary this morning, sparking a government reshuffle that was rumoured late last night.
Downing Street refused to confirm any plans, but speculation has been rife about who will replace Mr Wallace in the key Government job.
In a letter confirming his departure, Mr Wallace said last month marked his fourth year as Defence Secretary and his ninth as a minister since joining Parliament in 2005, and while it had been a privilege to serve in the role he now wishes to “step down”.
“I won my seat in 2005 and after so many years it is time for me to invest in the parts of my life that I have neglected, and to explore new opportunities”.
Mr Wallace thanked the PM for his support and friendship, and promised that he and the Government will have his “continued support” from the backbenches.
In response, Mr Sunak said Mr Wallace has “served our country with distinction”, and was proud of how he had led the country’s reaction to the invasion of Ukraine, during which Mr Wallace has played an “absolutely vital role in rallying support for Ukraine at home and abroad”.
He said: “I fully understand your desire to step down after eight years of exacting ministerial duties”.
“As you say, the jobs you have done have required you to be available on a continuous basis. But I know you have more to offer public life both here and internationally.
“You leave office with my thanks and respect.”
The Westminster rumour mill is now in overdrive as speculation mounts about who will replace Mr Wallace as Defence Secretary.
Up until last night, the frontrunner for the job was Treasury Minister John Glenn, seen as a safe pair of hands who would be less demanding on Government funds than Mr Wallace.
However it has now emerged two more senior and surprise names are in the running for the job: Grant Shapps and Liam Fox.
A host of other names are also being tipped, including Jeremy Quin, James Heappey, Tom Tugendhat and Anne-Marie Trevelyan.
For Grant Shapps, the Net Zero and Environment Secretary, it would be his fifth cabinet job in the past year, following Transport, Home Secretary, Business and the Environment.
He is seen as a very competent minister and reliable media performer.
Liam Fox previously served as Defence Secretary in David Cameron’s first Government, however had to resign amid controversy in 2011 after questions were raised about the access Adam Werritty, a lobbyist friend of Mr Fox, had had to the MoD.
Mr Fox is a long-standing ally of Mr Sunak’s, supporting him in both Tory leadership contexts last year and introducing him at one of the membership hustings.
This morning the Telegraph, who first reported the Fox rumours, have said his candidacy is being stymied by security clearance.
