Parliament is back next week and with that comes the resumption of the age old game of ‘Who’s up, who’s down?’ One name we know who is heading for the exit is Ben Wallace, who has handed his resignation before he can enjoy a last victory lap at the party conference. The Ministry of Defence has long been regarded as a plum position for Tory ministers, so it’s no surprise that there’s no shortage of contenders for the role. One government insider is quoted as saying in this week’s Spectator that they want a candidate who is ‘efficient, non-flashy, loyal, decent.’ That rules out Penny Mordaunt then. Mr S runs his eye over the likely runners and riders below…
Jeremy Quin – A dark horse but an appointment that would make sense. Has spent five years working his way up the greasy pole, including a two-and-a-half year stint at the MoD overseeing procurement there. Has impressed as Paymaster-General or ‘minister for sticky wickets,’ often being called upon to defend the Cabinet Office in the Commons whenever they’re in a jam.
John Glen – The archetypal ‘safe pair of hands’ as the incumbent Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He represents a military seat and is a longtime Sunak ally, having worked with him when he served at No. 11. The summer favourite, his odds nevertheless appear to have dropped in recent weeks, with other contenders coming up on the rails.
Liam Fox – A staunch supporter of Rishi Sunak who was not rewarded when the ministerial goodies were divided out last October. He shadowed Defence under David Cameron and served in the role in government before, er, having to quit it under something of a cloud. Still, he bounced back and spent three years at Trade under May during the Brexit years.
James Heappey – Has got the medals for the part, having served on three continents for The Rifles. For nearly four years he has worked with Wallace at the MoD, serving as minister for the Armed Forces under three different premiers. Before that, he was Quin’s predecessor for procurement. But given Heappey’s distaste for defence cuts, would the Treasury really want him at the cabinet table?
Grant Shapps – Something of a surprise choice, given his lack of experience in this field. He has nevertheless served in a series of ministries across the past decade and established himself as one of the government’s best communicators. Visited Ukraine last week and proudly posted a video of his visit on Twitter.
Tom Tugendhat – His current role as Minister of State for Security means he is often away from the cameras, working with the spooks in the shadows. But as a former Afghanistan veteran, it’s the role he was born to play, surely?
Liz Truss – Well, it’d be fun wouldn’t it?
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