Former soldier Leo Docherty replaces James Heappey as Armed Forces Minister
Former soldier Leo Docherty will replace James Heappey as Armed Forces Minister.
It comes after Mr Heappey confirmed his resignation, saying he has "loved every minute" in the role.
The Tory MP for Wells posted on X: "I've loved every minute as MinAF in this incredible department. Our Armed Forces & MOD civil servants are the very best of us.
"Representing them in Parliament & around the world over last 4.5 years has been an amazing privilege".
The former British Army officer confirmed earlier this month in a letter to his constituents that he will stand down from the Commons at the next general election.
'The work isn't done'
Mr Heappey added: "From the first COBR on Covid-19 to the most recent Ukraine Donor Contact Group last week in Ramstein via Kabul, Kyiv, Kosovo, Khartoum and the Southern Red Sea. It’s been an incredibly busy four and a half years.
"But the work isn't done. Ukraine needs our support now as much as ever. Perhaps even more so. Their's is a fight for the future of Euro-Atlantic security and so we must continue to lead the world in the breadth & bravery of our support.
"My sincerest thanks to all who serve so brilliantly in our nation's armed forces & to the families that stand behind them. We're asking a lot of them at the moment – rightly so, the geo-political situation demands it – and we should never forget their sacrifice.”
'Amazing role'
The Tory MP's resignation statement on X continued: "Thanks also to the fantastic civil servants who work so hard across the Defence enterprise from our world-beating scientists to those who do the hard yards procuring the stuff our armed forces need to those who work on policy in the MOD itself.
"And finally thanks to the three PMs who've asked me to serve in this amazing role and to Ben Wallace, Grant Shapps, Nick Carter, Tony Radakin, Stephen Lovegrove, David Williams and my awesome Private Office team for putting up with me!"
During a 10-year career in the Rifles, Mr Heappey served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Ireland and Kenya.
He had been tipped to succeed Ben Wallace as defence secretary following his resignation last year.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will now likely be forced to carry out a mini-reshuffle of his team.
Mr Heappey adds his name to a growing list of Tory MPs to announce they are to leave Parliament, with former prime minister Theresa May and former party chairman Sir Brandon Lewis some of the most recent additions.
Robert Halfon also announced his unexpected resignation as skills, apprenticeships and higher education minister.
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