UK Defence Secretary supports Liz Truss in premiership race

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace declares Liz Truss has what it takes to be Britain’s next PM at a time of massive global unrest.

In a huge boost, he says the Foreign Secretary is “authentic, honest and experienced” with the “integrity” for the top job — as he put the boot into rival Rishi Sunak for going AWOL, The Sun reported on July 28. 

Blasting the ex-Chancellor’s coup against Boris Johnson, he raged: “What would have happened that day if the markets had crashed?”

Mr Sunak’s walkout from the Treasury triggered an astonishing two days of government collapse that ended in Johnson resigning, with Wallace clearly livid at the chaos.

He hit out: “I don’t have the luxury as Defence Secretary of just walking out the door — I have roles in keeping this country safe.

“And the guardian of the markets, you know, the guardian of our economy, is the Chancellor.”

Asked if Mr Sunak was guilty of a dereliction of duty, Mr Wallace said: “We each had our own considerations. I have a duty until I’m replaced.”

Once the members’ leadership favourite himself, the big hitter’s endorsement will further cement Ms Truss’s status as favourite to succeed Mr Johnson as PM.

Mr Wallace told The Sun: “What you see is what you get with Liz and that is what the public wants more than ever at this moment.

“I’ve sat next to Liz in the Cabinet for two and a half years. I’ve sat next to her in National Security Councils. I’ve sat next to her at Nato and international summits. I’ve seen her in action.