British Defense Minister: "I Will Not Seek Parliament Membership Again"

British Defense Minister Ben Wallace stated to the "Sunday Times" that he will not contest the next general election for a seat in the UK Parliament and that he will leave the government when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conducts the next cabinet reshuffle. Wallace said in an interview with the newspaper, "I will not run next time," but he ruled out resigning "early" to avoid another by-election. The "Sunday Times" reported that a cabinet reshuffle is expected in September. The newspaper noted, "Wallace informed Sunak of his plans on June 16, but hoped to reveal them later this summer before leaks forced him to make this announcement." Wallace was expected to succeed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, whose stay in the position was extended for another year this month. Wallace is a member of the governing Conservative Party and has been the MP for the Weir and Preston North constituency in North West England since 2005. He has served as Defense Minister for four years, during which he helped lead the British response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.