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Former army major becomes minister for defence procurement

Published on: 18 Dec 2019

A former major in the British Army has been appointed as the government's new minister for defence procurement following the Conservative win in last week's general election.

James Heappey will replace Anne-Marie Trevelyan in the role with immediate effect.

Before he became an MP, Mr Heappey served for ten years in the Rifles regiment and saw action in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and Kenya. He has also worked for the head of the army in London.

In a statement on Twitter, the new minister said: "So hugely honoured to now be returning to @DefenceHQ as minister for defence procurement to make sure my former comrades have the world class kit they deserve."

As part of his new role, Mr Heappey will be responsible for the Defence Equipment Plan, nuclear enterprise and relations with the defence industry and exports, among other things.

The news comes after ex-army captain Andy Roe was named as the new London Fire Brigade commissioner and again demonstrates the wide range of security cleared careers open to armed forces personnel after they leave service.