Why Grant Shapps got the job as Defence Secretary
Spectator (UK)MAY 2023
UK: Sunak Appoints Grant Shapps as Defense Secretary
Image copyright: 10 Downing Street [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Spin
Right narrative
While Shapps may not be the most experienced choice for defense secretary, he's widely seen as an effective communicator and a safe pair of hands. It's a complicated brief, but Shapps will undoubtedly rise to the opportunity.
Left narrative
At a time when global international relations are in crisis and the Russia-Ukraine conflict risks escalating into a global war, the UK is taking a massive risk in appointing someone with no experience in defense to this key role in cabinet. The tories are more concerned with their electoral chances than global stability.