Jeremy Quin Appointed Defence Minister

Jeremy Quin MP takes over from James Heappey MP as Minister for Defence Procurement.

The latest switch-up in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's defence team has seen Jeremy Quin MP named the new Minister for Defence Procurement.

Mr Quin takes over from former Army officer, James Heappey MP, who replaces Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP as Armed Forces Minister.

As part of Mr Johnson's cabinet reshuffle, Ms Trevelyan was named International Development Secretary, while Ben Wallace kept his position as Defence Secretary. 

Who Is Jeremy Quin?

Jeremy Quin has been the MP for Horsham since the 2015 General Election.

He previously served as the Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office from 16 December 2019 to 13 February 2020.

According to the voting records website TheyWorkForYou.com, Mr Quin has consistently voted for replacing Trident with a new nuclear weapons system.

He also supported air strikes against the so-called Islamic State in Syria in 2015, and has voted against investigations into the Iraq War.

What Is His Role?

As Minister for Defence Procurement, Mr Quin will be responsible for the Defence Equipment Plan, relations with the defence industry and exports, science and technology.

Also within his remit will be nuclear enterprise, innovation and environmental sustainability. 

Any Other Changes?

Outside of these changes, the defence team remains more or less the same.

Ben Wallace has survived the reshuffle and remains the Defence Secretary, while Plymouth Moor View MP Johnny Mercer will continue in his role as Minister for Defence People and Veterans. 

Baroness Goldie also remains as Minister of State for Defence. 

Meanwhile, Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden has been appointed Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and will leave his role at the Office for Veterans' Affairs.

Former Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt has made a return to the Government as Paymaster General, just six months after being sacked by Boris Johnson. 

Cover image: Jeremy Quin MP (Picture: Gov.uk).