cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/2137339
Archived version: https://archive.ph/s3CNr
Archived version: https://web.archive.org/web/20230831095602/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/wallace-confirms-resignation-uk-defence-minister-letter-pm-sunak-2023-08-31/
This is the best summary I could come up with:
An ally of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Shapps takes on the brief when Britain is trying to increase its production of weaponry, particularly artillery shells, to try to help Ukraine push back Russian forces and replenish its own stockpiles.
It will be the fifth job for Shapps over the last year, after serving in four different ministries - as the minister for transport, interior affairs, business and then at energy and net zero.
Last month, Shapps joked to journalists about his role as the face as the government’s ‘crisis communications’, saying a junior official told him: “there isn’t anybody in the entire world who would want to be in your shoes right now” when he had to defend a former adviser over breaching COVID-19 restrictions.
Wallace, a former captain in the British army who helped lead Britain’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, said last month he wanted to step down after four years in the role and would quit as a lawmaker at the next national election to pursue new opportunities.
His frustration with not getting the NATO general secretary post earlier this year bubbled over at the military alliance’s summit last month, when he said Ukraine needed to show gratitude and not treat its allies like “Amazon”.
Sunak praised Wallace for his work, saying in a letter in response: “I fully understand your desire to step down after eight years of exacting ministerial duties.”
The original article contains 456 words, the summary contains 236 words. Saved 48%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
Thought he was doing quite a good job in Ukraine. Would like to see Tobias Elwood as his replacement.
What was he doing in Ukraine?