Defence Secretary Ben Wallace not running to replace Boris Johnson

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has announced he will not stand to be the next Conservative Party leader.

Mr Wallace had been tipped to be a frontrunner, should he mount a campaign.

In a statement on Twitter, he said: "After careful consideration and discussing with colleagues and family, I have taken the decision not to enter the contest for leadership of the Conservative Party.

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"I am very grateful to all my parliamentary colleagues and wider members who have pledged support.

"It has not been an easy choice to make, but my focus is on my current job and keeping this great country safe.

"I wish the very best of luck to all candidates and hope we swiftly return to focusing on the issues that we are all elected to address."

Earlier in the week, Mr Wallace had visited a UK defence site to witness Ukrainian forces being trained by British personnel.

The Defence Secretary has become a leading voice on the conflict since Russia's invasion in February.

Since taking on his current role in 2019, notable success in extra defence spending has come alongside criticism over planned troop cuts.