Ben Wallace to stand down at next election

       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 reportedly "familiar with the matter" have said another name is now considered to be the favourite for the role.

       Read more... Wallace denies UK 'hiding behind allies' as he rejects fears over Army cuts

       Rishi Sunak and Ben Wallace (Image: Getty)

       One national publication reports that energy security secretary Grant Shapps is being tipped for the role by those in the know. However, another national newspaper claims that former defence secretary Liam Fox has emerged as a "leading candidate" to return to the post.

       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.”

       Don't miss...

       ULEZ charges night-workers twice on same shift, Khan warned [LATEST]

       Ukraine 'used cardboard drones to destroy $100m fighter jets in Russia' [UKRAINE]

       Mum denied drug that could save her life after being told not to worry [REAL LIFE]

       Grant Shapps has been tipped as frontrunner (Image: Getty)

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       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. The 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. But The Telegraph reports that Liam Fox has also emerged as a leading candidate. It quotes "Senior Ministry of Defence figures" who have been discussing Fox’s potential appointment.

       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.

       Related articles This bloated and broken Ministry is not fit for service, says LEO MCKINSTRY Ukraine has become ‘battle lab’ as Ben Wallace boosts UK defences Britain tipped to be 'global space power' as Ben Wallace stresses importance Rishi Sunak bottles reshuffle in face of demands to sack top Tories Where have Britain’s Challenger tanks gone?, asks Lt Col Stuart Crawford