UK: Sunak Appoints Grant Shapps as Defense Secretary

Published SEP 1 2023

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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.

Metaculus Prediction

Public Figures

Rishi Sunak

Political split

LEFT

RIGHT

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Bias Split Public Figures Controversies

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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.17.2