Cabinet Reshuffle: Former Army Officer Appointed Defence Procurement Minister
Former Army officer James Heappey has been appointed Minister for Defence Procurement.
He replaces Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who herself has been appointed Armed Forces Minister - the role vacated by Mark Lancaster earlier this year.
Mr Heappey, who was re-elected in the Conservative Party's 2019 General Election win, served for ten years in the RIFLES reaching the rank of major.
He served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and Kenya during his career, as well as working for the head of the Army in London.
The forces veteran said he is "hugely honoured" to have been appointed as a defence minister, and said he would make sure personnel "have the world class kit they deserve".
In first 10 years of my career, I had huge privilege to serve alongside the world’s finest soldiers, sailors & airmen. So hugely honoured to now be returning to @DefenceHQ as Minister for Defence Procurement to make sure my former comrades have the world class kit they deserve.
— James Heappey MP (@JSHeappey) December 16, 2019
James Heappey was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Wells in 2015, and was re-elected in both 2017 and 2019.
During his time as an MP, he has consistently voted for the use of UK military forces in overseas combat operations and in favour of replacing Trident with a new nuclear weapons system, according to TheyWorkForYou.com.
He has voted against investigations into the Iraq war, and consistently voted for military action against the so-called Islamic State group.
Cover image: PA
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