James Heappey, the armed forces minister, will resign from his role at the end of this month and intends to stand down as an MP at the next election, as reported by THE TIMES. This unexpected move is seen as a significant setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, particularly as Heappey has been a key figure in the UK's defense strategy during the Ukraine War. At 43 years old, Heappey's decision has been described as a major blow to the current government's standing on defense issues, with comments noting, 'This is a huge blow for Rishi Sunak - he's not seen as strong on defence.' The announcement was first made public by @larisamlbrown.
Rishi Sunak suffers major blow as armed forces minister QUITS unexpectedly https://t.co/ZVOeeDpZjF
BREAKING: Armed forces minister James Heappey says he won't stand as MP at next election https://t.co/FtZnw1IaY3
BREAKING: James Heappey is standing down as an MP. https://t.co/0iRJbhqv9g
'This is a huge blow for Rishi Sunak - he's not seen as strong on defence.' @NatashaC and @TomSwarbrick1 discuss how the Prime Minister's week has gone 'from bad to worse' as armed forces minister, James Heappey, resigns. https://t.co/YyvfZljNdc
🚨AND ANOTHERRRRRRR... Tory MP James Heappey has announced he'll be standing down at the next election. He's only 43. He's been instrumental as a UK Defence Minister right the way through the Ukraine War. Great scoop by @larisamlbrown... https://t.co/B4wUioxUTs
JAMES HEAPPEY TO RESIGN AS ARMED FORCES MINISTER IN BLOW TO SUNAK - THE TIMES
Exclusive: James Heappey will leave his role as armed forces minister at the end of this month and stand down as an MP at the next election https://t.co/gnF205jyeM