Rolling coverage of the day’s political developments, including Theresa May appointing a new defence secretary to replace Michael FallonLunchtime summary 2.07pm GMT But Gavin Williamson’s appointment was welcomed on the World at One by two Conservative MPs who are both former army officers. Bob Stewart told the programme:The point about Gavin is, firstly, he’s a decent, calm man. He’s also a very thoughtful man. Yes, he won’t know much about defence. But I believe the civil service in the Ministry of Defence, the generals and the armed forces themselves, won’t mind that too much because he is the sort of person who will listen carefully, take advice, but then make his own decision …This guy has got ability. Yup, he’ll start slow. But he’ll accelerate 1.58pm GMT On the World at One the Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston expanded on the point she made on Twitter earlier (see 10.55am) about Gavin Williamson not being the best candidate for defence secretary. She said:Gavin has been an extremely likeable and respected chief whip, but part of the role of the chief whip is to advise the prime minister on the most experienced and suitable person to take on such an important job as secretary of state for defence. And I think it would be worth reflecting whether there were others who were more experienced and suitable for that role.Penny Mordaunt [the former armed forces minister who is now a work and pensions minister] would have been a very popular choice, very experienced and respected, and likewise Toby Ellwood [a junior defence minister]. Continue reading…
Via: Gavin Williamson's appointment as defence secretary triggers backlash – Politics live
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