Rishi Sunak admits he's 'sad' over defense chief Ben Wallace's decision to step down

The Prime Minister insisted the move had been considered for some time as critics said it was further evidence that the Tories expect to be ousted in the next election

Rishi Sunak said he was sad that Ben Wallace was considering leaving (

Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Rishi Sunak today paid tribute to outgoing Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, revealing that he had already planned to step down.

The cabinet minister has announced he will step down in the next, widely expected reshuffle in September. He will run for Parliament in the next election, which is due to be held by January 2025 and is expected in the fall of 2024.

This brings the number of Tory MPs leaving the Commons to 43, amid growing Tory fears Labor will enter government. Critics have pointed to Mr. Wallace's impending exit as further evidence that the Tories are heading into opposition.

Mr. Sunak insisted the Defense Secretary's announcement was not sudden. "Ben has been talking to me about it for a little while, I wish him good luck, he has an excellent record in the civil service," said the Prime Minister.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace will leave the Cabinet in the next reshuffle (

Picture:

PENNSYLVANIA)

"In fact, the UK over the past few years has been a leader in security and defence. I saw that firsthand when I was at the top of NATO last week and I can see the respect other countries have for the UK's role, our leadership in defence, the fact that we have consistently invested in defence, the fact that we have led the conversation about supporting Ukraine.

"These are all things that the British public should be really proud of, the role of our country." Mr Sunak replied "of course I am" when asked if he was sad to see his Defense Secretary go.

“Ben was an excellent Secretary of Defence. I enjoyed working with him and he has a record he can be very proud of,” added the Prime Minister. "But, look, he's been in politics and public service for a very long time, and, like he said, he wants to be able to spend more time with his family, and as a father myself, I. ..