Grant Shapps is new Defence Secretary (Image: Getty)
That remains to be seen.
But it has certainly strengthened his position as Prime Minister.
Despite losing such an outstanding Defence Secretary in Ben Wallace, the two never really saw eye to eye.
One is a military man who wanted more cash for the Armed Forces, the other a numbers man trying to balance the books as Chancellor and PM.
The Boris Johnson ally was also an inherited pick for Mr Sunak as he offered continuity in Britain’s leading role to help Ukraine fend off Russia’s invasion. Mr Sunak also needed political unity in his first Cabinet following the tumultuous endings to Mr Johnson and Liz Truss’s premierships.
READ MORE Meet the new Defence Secretary, he's the same as the old one
But Mr Wallace’s resignation gave him a chance to bolster his ranks with loyalists.
Mr Shapps backed Mr Sunak in both Conservative leadership contests last year while new Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho is one of the PM’s staunchest political allies.
When he made his five political pledges at the beginning of this year Mr Sunak had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve.
He was less clear whether Boris Johnson would try to mount a coup against his leadership.
Grant Shapps confirmed as new Defence Secretary
Don't miss...
UK sent warning after 'popular' defence sec who was tough on Russia replaced [LATEST]
The real reason Sunak put his 'Swiss Army knife' minister in charge of the MoD [DISCOVER]
Tories slam Sunak's 'yes man' appointment of Shapps in new top job [INSIGHT]
The former PM has now left Parliament.
So has his biggest cheerleader Nadine Dorries. Mr Wallace leaves at the next election and is no longer in Cabinet.
The Prime Minister, rumoured to be planning a full reshuffle in the coming weeks, will no doubt use it to reward more loyal Sunakites.
His political position assured, Mr Sunak can now focus on getting the Tory machine ready for next year’s expected general election.
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
Related articles Ben Wallace quits as Defence Secretary as Sunak starts government reshuffle Inside Sunak's cabinet reshuffle as Shapps and Coutinho handed new roles Sunak hands major promotion to longest standing political ally in reshuffle This year’s Channel migrants total hits 20,000 Rishi Sunak facing 'ultimate car crash election' as poll puts Tories at new low