Grant Shapps promotion 'shows Sunak doesn't care about defence', says ex-forces minister

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The Deputy Chairman of the Defense Select Committee called Grant Shapps a "public relations man." Meanwhile, Labour's Keir Starmer is set to upset his best side this week.

"He flitted from department to department and seems to leave little success in his wake" (

Image: Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)

Rishi Sunak, who promotes Grant Shapps, tells Britain's allies the prime minister 'doesn't care' about defence, a former armed forces minister has warned.

The Prime Minister appointed Mr Shapps Defense Secretary - his fifth ministerial role in a year - on Thursday, after weeks of speculation over who would replace fellow Tory Ben Wallace.

The reshuffle also saw former Minister for Children Clare Coutinho promoted to Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero Emissions.

Meanwhile, Labour's Keir Starmer is set to upset his best side tomorrow.

John Spellar, Deputy Chairman of the Commons Select Committee, told this newspaper that Mr Shapps was “basically just a public relations man”.

"Grant Shapps has no experience on the case - unlike several of the candidates suggested in the press, who had a good knowledge of the different parts of the defense," he said.

“Besides, he flitted from department to department and seems to leave little success in his wake. »

Claire Coutinho has been appointed Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (

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Mr. Spellar, who served as defense minister under Tony Blair for four years until 2001, added: "I don't know what our key allies will think of this at a time of heightened international tension - not just the war in Ukraine. , but a broader international tension.

“This is utterly irresponsible and a sign of a government that is about to fall and disappear. »

Ms Coutinho's appointment has raised concerns about her mixed status...