Shapps becomes UK defence minister with vow to keep up support for Ukraine

British Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace walks on Downing Street on the day of the last cabinet meeting before the summer recess, in London, Britain, July 18, 2023. REUTERS/Anna Gordon/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) -Former energy minister Grant Shapps replaced Ben Wallace on Thursday as Britain's defence minister, a surprise move that reaffirmed London's support for Ukraine while raising questions over his lack of experience of the military.

Shoring up his team before a national election expected next year and after Wallace resigned, Sunak will likely deploy Shapps' talent for media communication in his efforts to overturn opposition Labour's lead in the opinion polls.