Prime Minister Theresa May has named Gavin Williamson as the new Defence Secretary following Sir Michael Fallon’s resignation.
Mr Williamson is the MP for South Staffordshire, having served the constituency since the 2010 election. Prime Minister Theresa May appointed him Chief Whip following her victory in the Conservative leadership election. He had previously served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Northern Ireland; the Secretary of State for Transport; and also to former Prime Minister, David Cameron.
Sir Michael Fallon resigned as Defence Minister after admitting his behaviour had fallen short of the standards expected from the armed forces.
Sir Michael had apologised earlier this week after it emerged he had been reprimanded by journalist, Julia Hartley-Brewer, for repeatedly placing his hand on her knee during a dinner in 2002.
However, there is a suggestion that there may be more recent claims to be made against Fallon, forcing him to quit his role as Westminster faces a swirl sexual abuse allegations.
In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, Sir Michael wrote: “A number of allegations have surfaced about MPs in recent days, including some about my previous conduct. Many of these have been false, but I accept in the past I have fallen below the high standards that we require of the armed forces that I have the honour to represent. I have reflected on my position and I am now resigning as defence secretary.”
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