Ben Wallace ‘considering resigning’ as Defence Secretary in autumn and could quit politics

Ben Wallace is reportedly weighing up whether to quit as Defence Secretary after four years in a move that could also see him stand down as an MP at the next election.

The Times reported that Mr Wallace, a close ally of Boris Johnson who played a key role in devising the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is weighing up whether to leave politics for good.

Sources indicated that he remains supportive of Rishi Sunak’s government and that any move would be a personal one, not related to challenges with the party.

It is understood he has not yet made a final decision, but a source told Sky News that he is likely to make up his mind next month, in a move that would mean he would also stand down as MP at the next election in 2024.

Mr Wallace has been the MP for Wyre and Preston North since 2010 and enjoyed a 31-point majority over Labour at the last election, suggesting he is not among top Tory figures worried about whether they can hold onto their seats.

Once considered the favourite to take over from then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson as Tory leader, Mr Wallace twice declined calls from colleagues to put his name forward in last year’s leadership elections, opting to remain in Cabinet under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

He recently emerged as Downing Street’s favoured candidate to take over the post of Nato secretary-general – before it was announced the current chief, Jens Stoltenberg, had been given another year in charge. Some reports indicated that US President Joe Biden had personally vetoed Mr Wallace’s bid despite lobbying from Rishi Sunak.

Mr Wallace later told The Economist there were a “lot of unresolved issues” in the military alliance and “it’s not going to happen”, downplaying the prospect of a future bid to run the organisation.

His time as Defence Secretary has been dominated by the war in Ukraine and increasing tensions with Russian and China. Earlier this month, Mr Wallace sparked controversy after he suggested Ukraine should show “gratitude” for the military support it had been given.

Mr Wallace had made the remark after the country’s President Volodymyr Zelensky branded it “absurd” for Nato to insist there were still conditions for his nation to meet before it can gain membership once the war with Russia is over.

Mr Zelensky later said: “I believe that we were always grateful to United Kingdom. I don’t know what he meant and how else we should be grateful.”

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Mr Wallace, who remains popular within the Conservative ranks, is the longest continuously-serving minister in Government, having been security minister under Theresa May before being promoted to Defence Secretary by Mr Johnson and continuing the role under his two successors.

He previously served under David Cameron as a whip and a junior minister in the Northern Ireland Office.

Speculation over this future in the Cabinet has building over the past few weeks.

The Times said that John Glen, chief secretary to the treasury, could be a front-runner for the job.

Additional reporting by Press Association