What is Gavin Williamson playing at? That’s the question on the lips of Conservative MPs after two weeks of mayhem which have seen the beginnings of a defence budget rebellion complete with a briefing war with the Treasury. Since his surprise appointment as Defence Secretary, the former Chief Whip has been keen to prove his credentials – and commitment to his department – even if he does lack a military background.
So far, this has involved banning Philip Hammond from flying in RAF jets until he paid his outstanding bill (now paid), a call for British jihadists to be hunted down and killed in the Middle East rather than allowed to return to the UK and a prominent role (including photo opp) in a campaign to save a pair of service dogs. While some of his antics might not sit well with his colleagues who rate deference (and those in security who view his terrorism comments as reckless), they are all likely to impress Conservative party members.
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