That's Torn It - New Defence SofS
 

BBC News just announced that Philip Hammond is replacing Hague as Foreign Sec. It's only a Nick Robinson rumour but that could be bad news for Defence!

So, now there is the prospect of a f#cked up Foreign Policy leading to more wars, with a Defence Policy that's just been f#cked up?

The good ol' Peter Principle in action.

Newnight has just reported the same thing and the Telegraph website was earlier tipping Hammond to take over.

So in one day Defence gets to keep £1bn of underspend and loses its SoS. What the Lord giveth with one hand, he takes away with the other.

So the big question - how many SoSs in how many years? And who is most likely to come in to take over? Odds on a female SoS?

Edited to add - rumours circulating of Ian Duncan Smith to Defence. If so, well, at least he has been in the military and previously served as Shadow SoS under William Hague. So at least he seems to have some relevant experience.

Yep, he has some relevance. Done a great job with our pensions........

Nick Robinsons update on the BBC news web page is tipping Ian Duncan Smith, if so at least it would be a Defence Secretary that has served not like the last couple (although wasn't Dr Fox a territorial when he wasn't playing 80's pop?). Also according to the Telegrah, Sir Bob Kerslake the head of the Civil Service has also been axed, or rather removed from his post. Interesting times ahead!

William Hague to resign as foreign secretary in major cabinet reshuffle | Politics | The Guardian

Vague is retiring..

Just what we need as we role towards the next SDSR...........

Crikey, I just saw a bit of news suggesting Soubrey as the new Min of Def. I suspect that these " ladies" will be out to show how many balls they have. I'm so glad my days in the service are finished .

Smudge

The IDS to Defence rumour has been doing the rounds for a few days - the problem being that IDS seems to be reluctant to leave DWP, and it seemed odd that Hammond would be on his way out. Now Hague has gone, giving a promotion opportunity, that gives a degree of sense to the suggestion that IDS would move.

I imagine that a reasonably big-hitter will move into the post, since the risk of the Torygraph and the Mail banging on about not taking defence seriously if a relatively junior minister got the job (think Ainsworth's appointment).

If rumours of his return to government are correct, the 'obvious' answer would be the rehabilitated Liam Fox, who might manage to master his brief second time around. God help us...

Fox according to one rag is coming back into government

If it is IDS, stand by for much rejoicing in Capbadge Command.......

Not so clever elsewhere methinks.

Presumably Hague has resigned to spend more time with.....Angelina Jolie.

PICKLES GETS DEFENCE
 

PAYD - Out.
P Ed branch - disbanded.
Fitness tests discontinued.
Massive expansion of Catering branch.
High energy aircrew rations reinstated at higher rates and backdated.

Well, that's what I heard anyway..........

Hammond as Foreign Secretary? Appointing someone who said he would leave the EU as it currently stands would be sending out a bit of a message. On the other, not appointing someone who said he would leave the EU as it currently stands would be sending out a bit of a message.

"Odds on a female SoS?"

So that's why the latest brochures on armoured vehicles came with a colour choice?

If it is IDS then it might not be so bad as his old man was a RAF pilot with 17 kills to his name.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...5._CNA1757.jpg
Gp Capt WGG Duncan Smith DSO* DFC** RAF

One would hope that IDS, as a scaly brat, would have some fond memories of the light blue?

LJ

What?

"Are you qualified to carry out my operation, Doctor?"

"No, I'm not a Doctor, but my Father was."

The latest BBC/Norman Smith bubbling suggests the new Cabinet will, amongst other things, be more Eurosceptic. Appeal to the Public at the next Election, that sort of thing. Competency would be a bonus, of course.

and a surprise!

How was Hammond perceived? Whatever way he did 4 years which was a marked improvement over Tony Bliar's plot where the revolving door in the MOD never stopped.