Ben Wallace’s resignation has led to a mini-reshuffle, with Grant Schapps becoming defence secretary and Claire Coutinho stepping into his old role
Former junior minister for children Claire Coutinho will become secretary of state for energy security and net zero, replacing Grant Schapps in the role after Ben Wallace’s resignation.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero was formed in February 2023, with the aim of “giving the UK cheaper, cleaner, more secure sources of energy – cutting bills, cutting emissions, and cutting our dependence on international energy supplies.”
Claire Coutinho MP @ClaireCoutinho has been appointed Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero @energygovuk pic.twitter.com/PGIx7l6xDM
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 31, 2023
Claire Coutinho is the MP for East Surrey
Her pre-political career includes roles at KPMG and Merril Lynch, as well as working at centre-right thinktank Centre for Policy Studies.
Elected in a Conservative safe seat in 2019, she was part of a wave of new Tory appointees and supported Rishi Sunak in his initial bid for prime minister in late 2022.
Queries have been raised about Coutinho’s voting record in relation to the role, which has generally trended against measures preventing climate change.
Grant Schapps paid tribute to outgoing defence secretary Ben Wallace
I’m honoured to be appointed as Defence Secretary by @RishiSunak
I’d like to pay tribute to the enormous contribution Ben Wallace has made to UK defence & global security over the last 4 years https://t.co/CXWOaYnmUJ
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) August 31, 2023
Ben Wallace intends to spend more time with his family
In his resignation letter, Wallace outlined his extensive military and political career, whilst admitting that it had come “at a personal toll to me and my family.”
That’s all folks! Been a privilege to serve this great nation. Ben Wallace’s resignation letter and the Prime Minister’s response: 31 August 2023 – https://t.co/wuRcmekTU8 https://t.co/847yME5p7n
— Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) August 31, 2023
