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Ben WallaceBritish politician and statesman
Date of Birth: 15.05.1970
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Ben Wallace: British Statesman
- Military and Corporate Career
- Political Journey
- Parliamentary and Ministerial Roles
- Northern Ireland and Home Office
- Minister of Defence
- Ukraine and Other Events
- Personal Life
Ben Wallace: British Statesman
Early Life and EducationBorn on May 15, 1970, in Farnborough, Kent, Robert Ben Lobban Wallace received his education at Millfield School in Somerset, specializing in politics.
Military and Corporate Career
At age 19, Wallace enrolled in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and subsequently served with the Scots Guards. His eight-year military career took him to Northern Ireland, Germany, Cyprus, and Central America. From 2003 to 2005, he held the position of Overseas Business Development Director at QinetiQ.
Political Journey
Wallace entered politics as a member of the Scottish Assembly from 1999 to 2005. He subsequently became a Conservative candidate for Westminster parliamentary elections. In 2005, he was elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Lancaster and Wyre, a position he has held ever since.
Parliamentary and Ministerial Roles
Wallace served on the Scotland Affairs Select Committee from 2005 to 2010 and as Shadow Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland from 2006 to 2010. He faced criticism over his expenses in 2008. After re-election to Parliament, he became Parliamentary Private Secretary to Ken Clarke. In 2012, he was appointed Lord Commissioner of the Treasury.
Northern Ireland and Home Office
Wallace served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in 2015. Following the Brexit referendum, he was appointed Minister for Security by Theresa May. In 2017, his responsibilities were expanded to include Economic Crime. Despite supporting EU membership before the 2016 referendum, Wallace has been a vocal supporter of Brexit.
Minister of Defence
On July 24, 2019, Prime Minister Boris Johnson appointed Wallace as Secretary of State for Defence.
Ukraine and Other Events
In 2022, Wallace was recorded on a call with pranksters posing as Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. He expressed support for Ukraine's NATO aspirations and confirmed the provision of military aid, including NLAW anti-tank weapons.
Personal Life
Wallace married Lisa Cook in 2001, and they have three children. They reside in London and near Lancaster.
