MPs and military leaders question 'yes-yes-yes' Shapps as new Defense Secretary – British Politics Live

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Former military leaders and opposition MPs have questioned the suitability of yes-man Grant Shapps for his new role as secretary to Defense.

Mr. Shapps, the former Energy Secretary, was Rishi Sunak's surprise choice to replace Ben Wallace this morning as the Prime Minister carried out a mini cabinet reshuffle.

Sir Richard Dannatt, l he former head of the armed forces, expressed concern that Mr Shapps was tasked with “supporting” Mr Sunak rather than “defending” defense budgets.

He also suggested that it would take Mr. Shapps "some time" to catch up on the defense brief, which he knows "very little" about.

< p>Claire Coutinho, a former education minister, replaced Mr Shapps in a major promotion for the East Surrey MP. A close ally of Mr. Sunak who was previously his adviser, the 38-year-old is the...