'It is deeply offensive': Soldier expresses his discomfort at Grant Shapps appointment to Defence Secetary

31 August 2023, 12:14

This James O'Brien caller brands Grant Shapps appointment 'deeply offensive'.
This James O'Brien caller brands Grant Shapps appointment 'deeply offensive'. Picture: LBC

By Georgina Greer

This caller vents his frustrations at Grant Shapps's appointment to Defence Secretary, telling James O'Brien the move has "cut pretty deep."

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Cameron in Gloucestershire, currently serving in the military, expressed his discomfort in Grant Shapps's appointment to James O'Brien.

He began: "I work with people who put service and country first, integrity and respect is core values to everyone in the armed services, this new appointment...it has cut pretty deep."

Cameron noted Mr Shapps 'background', later telling James O'Brien that he "wouldn't want to work with that individual" asking him "Would you trust him?"

Mr Shapps' has held five different governmental positions in the last year, ranging from Transport Secretary under Boris Johnson to the Chairman of the Ukraine All-Party Parliamentary Group, a role he held for only one day.

He was previously criticized for his involvement in covert business deals, selling get-rich-quick schemes under the false name Michael Green.

READ MORE: Grant Shapps replaces Ben Wallace as defence secretary after warnings world becoming 'more insecure and more unstable'

Grant Shapps [right] replaces Ben Wallace [left].
Grant Shapps [right] replaces Ben Wallace [left]. Picture: LBC

Henry Riley gives a run down of Grant Shapp's government roles as he is appointed Defence Secretary

READ MORE: Police to be handed new powers to sack rogue cops faster

Cameron went on, pointing out "another problem altogether", the quality of the cabinet "in general."

He asked James: "Who else do you prefer?" before noting that he is "glad" Suella Braverman, current Home Secretary had not been offered the role.

James thanked Cameron for offering a "shining perspective" exclaiming: "It feels like an insult to the armed forces."

Cameron responded: "I hope if there are any of my colleagues listening right now that they feel in any way better about this for having heard it from one of their own."

He concluded: "It is deeply offensive."

Grant Shapps has replaced Ben Wallace who has held the post since 2019, having first served as an Officer in the military.

The appointment comes following Mr Wallace's formal resignation on Thursday.

'It breaks my heart that people support this attack'

Gezelle calls American and Israeli ‘help’ in Iran ‘an illusion’

Caller Vanessa shares her story of abuse at the hands of her neighbour

Caller Vanessa shares her story of abuse at the hands of her neighbour

'No one protected me:' Grooming gangs survivor responds to inquiry announcement

'No one protected me:' Grooming gangs survivor responds to inquiry announcement

Caller Sina

James O’Brien is unconvinced by caller Sina’s justification for Israel’s strikes on Iran

Caller Harry

Pilot Harry gives his reaction to Gatwick-bound plane crash

LBC caller tells James O’Brien how she ended up homeless as a result of the 'disastrous' mini-budget in 2022.

Liz Truss' 'disastrous' mini budget left this LBC caller homeless

LBC callers react

How successful was Greta Thunberg’s aid mission?: LBC callers react

Caller Hanisa

Hanisa explains to James O’Brien that it’s her choice alone to wear the Burqa

Caller Lisa from California responds to Donald Trump summoning the National Guard to LA over the protests.

Californian caller responds to Trump sending the National Guard to LA

James O'Brien Batman Caller

Caller Luke’s nickname for Robert Jenrick amuses James O’Brien

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

James O'Brien caller on water

Caller explains how ‘corporate finance’ has been ‘catastrophic’ for water companies

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

'Mate, I love you'

James' conversation with Barry, who had a chemical castration, takes an unexpectedly wholesome turn