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Comment: Why Did Theresa May Keep Fallon As Defence Secretary?
In reality, maybe only the new Prime Minister knows the answer.
Fitting together the jigsaw in a cabinet reshuffle isn't easy - sometimes you don’t have all the options you want.
But in such a radical shakeup of the government she has sent a powerful message to Britain's partners by keeping the Defence Secretary in post, and making it one of her very first announcements.
It represents continuity and stability in at least one part of our relationships with allies around the world.
In the midst of Brexit turmoil, a change of Prime Minister and an almost total shake-up of cabinet, it says 'We’re sticking with our military operations and defence plans, you can rely on us'.
It’s an attempt at reassurance that may be all the more craved after the appointment of Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary.
The US State Department’s spokesman failed to stifle a laugh as he was told the news.
Carl Bildt, the former Swedish Prime Minister and former UN Special Envoy, couldn’t have been much clearer in his reaction on Twitter.
I wish it was a joke, but I fear it isn't. Exit upon exit. pic.twitter.com/8qmlSkQNRj
— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) July 13, 2016
It’s fair to say Boris is a wild card, but also easy to underestimate.
As Mayor of London he forged links around the world, which then enabled him to make some spectacular global gaffes.
He's an accomplished politician and he knows he will have to employ a different style as Britain's top diplomat.
But back to the Defence Secretary. Michael Fallon is a safer and more predictable pair of hands than Boris Johnson.
Theresa May knows his work not just from Cabinet meetings, but also the National Security Council.
That means she will already have understanding of Britain’s ongoing military operations.
It looks like Mrs May’s approach to defence is 'steady as she goes'.
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