Politics
18:59, 02-Nov-2017
British PM May appoints Gavin Williamson as new defense secretary
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British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Gavin Williamson as the new defense secretary on Thursday.
The 41-year-old Williamson replaces Michael Fallon, as Fallon resigned on Wednesday over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Williamson is a trusted ally whose former job as chief whip involved enforcing discipline for May's Conservative party in parliament. He was only elected to parliament in 2010.
"The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Right Honourable Gavin Williamson as Secretary of State for Defence," Downing Street said in a statement.
Britain's Secretary of State for Defense Gavin Williamson arrives at the Ministry of Defense, London, Britain, November 2./Reuters Photo
Britain's Secretary of State for Defense Gavin Williamson arrives at the Ministry of Defense, London, Britain, November 2./Reuters Photo
The job is one of the biggest in the British government, and one of the most challenging.
Britain, a member of the NATO military alliance, spends two percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense but the armed forces are facing constant pressure to cut costs.
Julian Smith was then appointed by May as the new chief whip, who will be responsible for making sure May's Conservatives vote in support of the government.
Smith, 46, had previously been a deputy chief whip. The government said lawmaker Esther McVey would take on Smith's former role.
(With inputs from AFP, Reuters)
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