Rishi Sunak is preparing to appoint Ben Wallace’s replacement as defence secretary, with an announcement potentially being made by the Prime Minister as soon as today. 

Mr Wallace revealed last month that he would resign from the senior Cabinet role at the next reshuffle, bringing to an end his four years in the job.

A major Cabinet reshuffle is not expected to take place imminently but Mr Sunak is thought to be putting the finishing touches to a mini shake-up of his top team. 

A selection of potential candidates to replace Mr Wallace have been tipped in recent weeks, with Armed Forces Minister James Heappey, Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen and former defence secretary Liam Fox all reportedly in the frame. 

Grant Shapps, the Energy Security Secretary, has also been tipped for the role.

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