Rishi Sunak scraps plans for major cabinet reshuffle

There were rumors that Rishi Sunak would remove senior members of his cabinet. The Telegraph realizes it has scaled back plans for a major cabinet reshuffle next month.

Rishi Sunak is now considering replacing ministers who have already expressed their desire to step down, such as Ben Wallace

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In July, the Secretary of Defense said he wanted to participate in the next reshuffle and would not fight for his seat in the next election.

Health Secretary Will Ivins also said that he wants to step down as an MP in the next election.

There are still plans to reshuffle in the days leading up to the return of Parliament on September 4.

A source in the Whips' office told The Telegraph that despite «a lively discussion», the focus is now expected to be on «people who want to leave».

John Glen, chief secretary of the Treasury Department, is seen as likely candidate to replace Mr. Wallace as secretary of defense.

Teresa Coffey is rumored to be one of the ministers in the line of fire. Photo: Jeff Pugh for The Telegraph

There were rumors that figures like Teresa Coffey, the environment minister, would be sidelined. There have also been rumors that Health Minister Steve Barclay could be moved to another position and Michael Gove, Minister of Excellence, take over.

However, Mr. Sunak's change of heart could make such moves less likely .

If Mr. Glen does get Mr. Wallace's seat, it's entirely possible that Claire Coutinho could take over as Secretary of the Treasury.

She is currently the Minister of Children's Affairs, but she is known to be close to Mr. Sunak — she was his special adviser. when he was chief secretary of the treasury.

Mr Wallace told The Sunday Times he would not run in the next election, but ruled out a «premature» exit from Parliament and forcing another by-election.

The news comes after it emerged that he had failed to fulfill his dream of becoming NATO Secretary General.

Mr Wallace told the newspaper: “I entered politics in Scottish parliament in 1999. This is 24 years old. I spent over seven years with three phones by my bed.”

Other names associated in recent weeks with the role of defense minister include Tom Tugendhat, security minister; Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons.

Some have also linked James Cleverly, Foreign Secretary, to this role.

If Mr. Sunak chooses not to make major changes at cabinet level, he may decide to focus on the ranks of minister of state, one rung below the cabinet.

Who should replace Ben Wallace as the new secretary of defense? Poll

The prime minister could use the reshuffle to promote rising stars who could take next year's cabinet.

These include ministers like Richard Holden, secretary of transport; Laura Trott, Minister of Pensions; and Victoria Atkins, Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Jeremy Hunt's position as Chancellor is considered secure. Colleagues have called him «unstoppable» out of a need to calm markets.

Suella Braverman, the home secretary, also intends to remain in place.

Downing Street declined to comment on «speculation about a reshuffle '.