Grant Shapps leaves Downing Street after being appointed defense secretary in Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's mini-reshuffle, which was prompted by Ben Wallace's formal resignation, in London, Aug 31, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

LONDON - Britian's Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has been named as the country's new defense secretary, the government said Thursday. 

Shapps replaced Ben Wallace who tendered his resignation earlier the same day. 

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Ben Wallace advised the prime minister in the letter not to cut the country's spending on defense as it should not be viewed as "a discretionary spend" by the government

Wallace was appointed as the defense chief in 2019 under the government of Boris Johnson. He said last month he wanted to step down after four years in the role and would quit as a lawmaker at the country's next general election.

"After much reflection, I have taken the decision to ask that I be allowed to step down," he said about his resignation. "I won my seat in 2005 and after so many years it is time for me to invest in the parts of life that I have neglected, and to explore new opportunities."

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He also advised the prime minister in the letter not to cut the country's spending on defense as it should not be viewed as "a discretionary spend" by the government. He advised against "hollowing out (the defense)" to achieve savings.

Sunak, in his response to the letter, said that he fully understands Wallace's desire to step down after years of exacting ministerial duties.