Grant Shapps News
Grant Shapps
Grant Shapps, born on September 14, 1968, in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, England, is a British politician who currently serves as the Secretary of State for Defence since August 2023. Shapps has a diverse political career, having held various cabinet positions under Prime Ministers David Cameron, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak. He is known for his resilience and political acumen, earning the nickname "spreadsheet assassin" for his ability to navigate political challenges effectively.
Grant Shapps’ political journey has included his involvement in leadership bids within the Conservative Party and his appointments to roles like Home Secretary (2012-2015), Business Secretary (2019-2021), and Energy Secretary (2021-2023). In August 2023, Shapps assumed the role of Secretary of State for Defence, succeeding Ben Wallace. He has been actively engaged in addressing security concerns, advocating for Europe to enhance its security measures, and collaborating with other countries on initiatives like the Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine.
In September 2012, he became Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party, overseeing policy and strategy. In November 2012, he enlisted strategist Lynton Crosby for the 2015 election campaign. In March 2013, Shapps defended the Welfare Reform Act 2012, commonly known as the “Bedroom Tax,” highlighting his stance on welfare and social policy. He also addressed benefit reforms, advocating for capping benefits to align with working family earnings and emphasizing his views on social welfare and financial support systems. Moreover, in October 2013, Shapps raised concerns about the BBC’s use of public funds, suggesting that the organization could lose its license fee if it did not address issues of waste and bias. This stance reflects his views on accountability and transparency in public institutions and media organizations.
In 2008, he was awarded the Spectator/Threadneedle Speech of the Year Award for his speech on social mobility. In 1990, he founded PrintHouse Corporation, a design, print, website creation, and marketing business in London. He was also the National President of the Jewish youth organization BBYO. One of Shapps’ projects for the benefit of the country was his role in the development of the Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine, which he spearheaded in 2023 as the Secretary of State for Defence. This initiative, launched in March 2023, aimed to enhance Europe’s maritime security and provide critical support to Ukraine in the face of ongoing conflicts. The project, which involved collaboration with various European nations, was a significant undertaking that cost an estimated £500 million and demonstrated Shapps’ strategic vision and ability to coordinate international efforts for the greater good.
The news surrounding Grant Shapps encompasses a wide range of topics, from his political career and leadership roles to his struggles and achievements. Critically, his tenure as Defence Secretary amid evolving security challenges and his proactive stance on international collaborations for security enhancement are central themes in recent coverage. Additionally, his resilience in the face of health challenges and his unique religious perspective add depth to the narrative surrounding this figure in British politics.
Grant Shapps Biography
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Latest News
Statements
On September 6, 2021, in London, Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport, announced changes to the UK’s international travel policies, stating, “At 4 am on 8 August: Austria, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Latvia, Finland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Romania, Lithuania, Slovakia, Switzerland, Slovenia, and The Azores” were moved to the green list. Shapps emphasized simplifying the travel system, reducing testing requirements, and lowering costs for travelers. He highlighted the need to balance “public health with the need for normalcy,” recognizing the challenges faced by the travel and aviation sectors. This update aimed to provide stability for the industry and passengers amidst the evolving international travel landscape.
On March 1, 2023, at Chatham House in London, Grant Shapps, the UK’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, delivered a speech outlining his department’s priorities. Shapps emphasized the need to learn from Britain’s past reliance on a single energy source, stating, “The creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is a clear statement of intent from the government to address energy security with greater urgency and resolve.” He outlined plans to cut energy consumption by 15% this decade, backed by £6 billion in funding. Shapps also highlighted the importance of investing in renewables and nuclear power to ensure energy independence, while aligning these efforts with the country’s net-zero goals and creating new economic opportunities in the green energy sector.
On July 15, 2023, in London, Grant Shapps, the then-Energy Secretary, made a statement vowing to “max out” the UK’s North Sea oil and gas reserves. Shapps stated, “We have no option but to extract the remaining fossil fuel resources to ensure our energy security.” This pragmatic decision, with an estimated cost of £500 million, reflected Shapps’ commitment to safeguarding the nation’s energy independence. The statement was delivered during the UK’s efforts to address energy challenges and was a central focus of Shapps’ tenure as Energy Secretary prior to his appointment as Defence Secretary in August 2023.
On August 31, 2023, in London, Grant Shapps, the newly appointed Defence Secretary, made a statement following his appointment by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Shapps expressed his honor in the role, stating, “It is a privilege to serve as the Defence Secretary, and I am committed to working closely with our Armed Forces to uphold the UK’s security and support our allies in the face of global challenges.” Shapps pledged to continue the UK’s support for Ukraine, reflecting his strategic vision and determination to uphold national security and international efforts. The statement came after Shapps succeeded Ben Wallace, who served as Defence Secretary for four years.
In October 2023, Grant Shapps, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, delivered a doorstep statement at a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers on October 12, 2023, in Brussels, Belgium. During this address, Shapps emphasized the UK’s commitment to enhancing security measures in Europe, stating, “We are resolute in our efforts to strengthen security and collaborate internationally.” This statement highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine, which Shapps had spearheaded earlier that year as Defence Secretary.
Speeches
On March 15, 2022, in London, Grant Shapps, the UK’s Secretary of State for Defence, delivered a speech and press release on the Ukraine-Russia Conflict. Addressing the escalating tensions, Shapps stated, “The Kremlin’s increasing defense spending and aggressive actions towards Ukraine are a direct threat to European security. The West must stand united in our support for Ukraine’s democracy and sovereignty.” Shapps emphasized the critical role of the West in shaping Ukraine’s future amidst Russian aggression, highlighting the Kremlin’s growing military capabilities and the need for Western support to safeguard Ukraine’s democratic institutions. This event showcased the UK’s unwavering stance on the conflict, with Shapps’ statements reflecting the government’s commitment to aiding Ukraine through initiatives like the £100 million “Defend Ukraine” investment project to provide military and humanitarian assistance.
On June 9, 2022, in the House of Commons in London, Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport, delivered a statement about the Williams Report for Rail. In his speech, Shapps emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing the report’s recommendations, stating, “We will launch a public consultation on the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail.” He noted that the reforms aimed to improve the passenger experience, increase efficiency, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the rail network. Shapps also addressed the ongoing rail strikes, stating that the government would “take the necessary steps to ensure that passengers can rely on the railway.” This event was a significant moment in the government’s efforts to reform the UK’s rail industry based on the findings of the independent Williams Report.
On June 16, 2022, in London, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps delivered a speech addressing rail modernization and the planned rail strikes. This event was a significant moment in the government’s efforts to reform the UK’s rail industry and respond to the ongoing labor disputes. During his speech, Shapps criticized the unions, stating, “This week’s strikes were orchestrated by the unions, masterminded by the unions, and the unions bear the complete accountability for these disruptions.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to launching a public consultation on the “Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail,aiming to enhance the passenger experience, improve efficiency, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the rail network. Shapps highlighted the challenges faced by the rail industry, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reiterated the government’s dedication to implementing reforms outlined in the Williams Report.
On October 1, 2023, at the Manchester Central Convention Complex in Manchester, Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Defence, delivered a speech at the Conservative Party Conference. Addressing the audience, Shapps stated, “Our nation’s security is the bedrock upon which all else is built. We must remain vigilant, investing in our defenses to protect our people and our way of life.” At the event, Shapps emphasized key points of national security and defense strategy. The event in Manchester highlighted Schepps’ vision for the future of defense policy in the UK.
On November 20, 2023, in London, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps addressed attendees at the Franco-British Council Defence Conference reception, where he was joined by French Defence Minister Sébastien. At this event, Shapps stated, “The security of our nations is inextricably linked, and our defense partnership is crucial to safeguarding our shared interests and values.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership between the UK and France in defense matters, highlighting their shared security interests and the need for joint efforts to address evolving threats. Shapps likely discussed strategic initiatives, defense capabilities, and the strengthening of Franco-British defense ties to enhance regional and global security, underscoring the commitment of both nations to working together to ensure mutual defense and stability in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
On December 7, 2023, in Ramallah, Grant Shapps, the UK’s Defence Secretary, visited the Palestinian Authority and held talks with officials, including Interior Minister Maj. Gen. Ziad Hab Al-Reeh. Shapps stated, “One of the reasons we are going to Ramallah to talk to the Palestinian Authority is to understand their capacity and ability.” This event marked a significant step in the UK’s engagement with Palestinian governance. Shapps emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian Authority’s capacity-building efforts, highlighting the need for international assistance in addressing the crisis in Gaza. This visit underscored the UK’s role in promoting stability and reconstruction in the region through initiatives like the £50 million “Rebuilding Gaza” investment project.
On January 15, 2024, at London’s Lancaster House, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps delivered a speech emphasizing Britain’s defense strategy, stating, “We are in a new era and we must be prepared to deter our enemies, prepared to lead our allies, and prepared to defend our values.” Shapps announced plans to increase the UK’s NATO commitment by deploying an additional 20,000 British forces, at an estimated cost of £500 million. This move showcased the government’s commitment to bolstering the country’s military capabilities and global influence in response to a “more dangerous world.” The speech highlighted the Conservative government’s dedication to national security and defense, positioning the UK as a key player in addressing evolving international challenges.
Who is Grant Shapps?
Grant Shapps, born on September 14, 1968, in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, England, has a diverse background and personal life. he was born to parents Irene and Arnold Shapps and has a sibling, a brother named Julian Shapps. He was educated in Watford and studied business and finance in Manchester. Shapps founded PrintHouse Corporation, a successful printing business, after a car crash in the US in 1989. In 1999, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma but made a successful comeback to win the Welwyn Hatfield seat in 2005. Shapps has held various political positions, including Chairman of the Conservative Party, Housing Minister, and Minister of State for International Development. He is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and resilience in overcoming health challenges. Additionally, Shapps identifies as Jewish, is married to a Jewish woman, and is actively involved in communal life, belonging to the Potters Bar and Brookmans Park Synagogue. His relationship with religion is unique, describing himself as observant but uncertain about the existence of God. Shapps has expressed evolving views on Zionism and Israel, acknowledging the need for a Jewish state while also advocating for Palestinian statehood. His political inspiration includes figures like Benjamin Disraeli and FW De Klerk, reflecting a diverse range of influences in his personal and political life.Grant Schepps in the Conservative Party, Schepps has faced opposition and controversy over his alleged editing of Wikipedia pages by fellow Conservatives, including Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, International Development Secretary Justine Greening, and David Cameron’s chief of staff Lynton Crosby. Important personalities like These internal party dynamics suggest that the political competition for Grant Shapes arose primarily from within the Conservative Party itself.Grant Shapps’s biography is illustrated in the table below.| Personal Information | |
| Full Name | Grant Shapps |
| Birthday | September 14, 1968 |
| Spouse | Belinda Goldstone (m. 1997) |
| Number of Children | 3 |
| Position | Secretary of State for Defence |
| Political Party | Conservative |
| Education | Watford Grammar School for Boys, West Herts College, Manchester Metropolitan University, Yorke Mead Primary School |
| Political Career | |||
| Position | Term | Preceded by | Succeeded by |
| Secretary of State for Defence | 31 August 2023 | Ben Wallace | |
| Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero | 7 February 2023 – 31 August 2023 | Office established | Claire Coutinho |
| Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy | 25 October 2022 – 7 February 2023 | Jacob Rees-Mogg | Kemi Badenoch |
| Home Secretary | 19 October 2022 – 25 October 2022 | Suella Braverman | Suella Braverman |
| Secretary of State for Transport | 24 July 2019 – 6 September 2022 | Chris Grayling | Anne-Marie Trevelyan |
| Minister of State for International Development | 11 May 2015 – 28 November 2015 | Desmond Swayne | Nick Hurd |
| Chairman of the Conservative Party | 4 September 2012 – 11 May 2015 | The Baroness Warsi | The Lord Feldman of Elstree |
| Minister without portfolio | 4 September 2012 – 11 May 2015 | The Baroness Warsi | Robert Halfon |
| Minister of State for Housing and Local Government | 13 May 2010 – 4 September 2012 | John HealeyRosie Winterton | Mark Prisk |
| Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning | 20 December 2007 – 6 May 2010 | Michael Gove | John Healey |
| Member of Parliamentfor Welwyn Hatfield | 5 May 2005 | Melanie Johnson |
Grant Shapps Family
Grant Shapps, the British politician, hails from a family with a business-oriented background. His father, Tony Shapps (c.1932-2023), who ran a cinematographic and photographic equipment business, and his mother, Beryl (née Grossman) Shapps (c.1934-2021), a homemaker, have played significant roles in shaping his upbringing. Grant Shapps was born on September 14, 1968, in Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, to this Jewish family. Grant Shapps has one sibling, his brother Andre Shapps. Andre Shapps is known for his musical talents and was a member of the band Big Audio Dynamite (BAD) between 1994 and 1998, where he played keyboards. Additionally, Andre Shapps is also Grant Shapps’ cousin, with their shared cousin being Mick Jones, the lead guitarist of the iconic punk rock band The Clash. Grant Shapps is married to Belinda Shapps, who is a humanistic integrative therapist by profession. The couple first met in 1995 in a pub in Leeds, where Grant was 26 and Belinda was 21 at the time. Grant and Belinda got married in 1997, and they have three children together – a son named Hadley born in 2001, and twins Tabytha and Noa born in 2004. The couple had to use IVF to conceive their children, as Grant had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1999 and was told the treatment could affect his fertility. Belinda is described as being “brilliant” in supporting Grant during his cancer treatment, which he underwent for a year before being told it was successful.Grant Shapps education
Grant Shapps’ educational journey began at Yorke Mead Primary School in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, in the late 1970s. He then moved on to secondary education at Watford Grammar School for Boys in Watford, Hertfordshire, in the early 1980s, where he obtained 5 ‘O’ Levels, including a B in Woodwork, in the mid-1980s.After completing his secondary schooling, Shapps furthered his education at Cassio College in Watford, Hertfordshire, in the late 1980s. He then went on to pursue higher education, studying business and finance at Manchester Polytechnic in Manchester, England, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At Manchester Polytechnic, Shapps completed a business and finance course and received a Higher National Diploma.Alongside his academic pursuits, Shapps was also actively involved in the Jewish youth organization BBYO, serving as the National President in the late 1980s.In 1989, Shapps experienced a significant life event when he was involved in a car crash in Kansas, United States, which left him in a coma for a week. This incident likely had a profound impact on his life and subsequent career path.Grant Shapps’s political career
In the early stages of his political career, Grant Shapps unsuccessfully contested the North Southwark and Bermondsey seats for the Conservatives in 1997. He then faced another setback in 2001 when he ran unsuccessfully for the Welwyn Hatfield seat. However, Shapps’ persistence paid off when he was finally elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Welwyn Hatfield in 2005, marking the beginning of his political journey.In 2005, he was appointed as the Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party, and in June 2007, he became the Shadow Housing Minister. After the 2010 election, Shapps served as the Minister of State for Housing and Local Government until 2012.In September 2012, he was appointed as the Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party, while also holding the position of Minister without Portfolio at the Cabinet Office. In 2015, he was made a Minister of State in the Department for International Development.In 2019, Schepps was appointed as Secretary of State for Transport, a role he held until 2022. He then briefly served as the Home Secretary in 2022 before being appointed as the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. In 2023, Shapps was named the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, and most recently, in August 2023, he was appointed as the Secretary of State for Defence.Political Party of Grant Shapps
Grant Shapps has been a member of the Conservative Party in the UK, holding various roles within the party. His achievements and contributions to the party have been substantial, reflecting the party’s core values and principles.Shapps’ political journey with the Conservatives began in 2005 when he was appointed as the Vice Chairman of the party. This marked the start of his leadership within the organization, as he demonstrated his commitment to the party’s goals and objectives, which included promoting free-market economics, limited government, and traditional social values. Shapps’ within the Conservative Party continued to grow, and in September 2012, he was appointed as the Co-Chairman of the party, a position he held until May 2015. In this role, Shapps played a crucial part in the party’s organization and decision-making processes, further solidifying his standing within the Conservative ranks and ensuring the party’s policies and priorities were effectively communicated to the public.Alongside his leadership roles, Shapps has also served as the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Welwyn Hatfield since 2005. This parliamentary representation has allowed him to advocate for the party’s policies and priorities at the highest levels of government, such as supporting measures to reduce government spending, promote business growth, and maintain a strong national defense. Moreover, Shapps has held various ministerial positions within the UK government, further showcasing his expertise and commitment to the party’s core principles of fiscal responsibility, limited regulation, and a focus on national security and law and order.Grant Shapps election results
Before the 2019 election, Shapps had also been successfully re-elected in the 2010, 2015, and 2017 general elections. In the 2010 election, he received 57% of the vote and a majority of 17,423. In 2015, his vote share decreased to 50.4%, but he still maintained a majority of 12,153. In the snap 2017 election, Shapps’ vote share increased to 51%, with a decreased majority of 7,369. on December 12, 2019, General Election, Shapps, the Conservative Party candidate, was once again successful in retaining his seat. He received a total of 27,394 votes, which amounted to 52.6% of the total votes cast in the Welwyn Hatfield constituency. Shapps’ closest competitor in the 2019 election was Rosie Newbigging of the Labour Party, who received 16,439 votes, or 31.6% of the total. The other candidates were Paul Zukowskyj of the Liberal Democrats, who received 6,602 votes (12.7%), and Oliver Sayers of the Green Party, who received 1,618 votes (3.1%). Shapps’ victory in the 2019 election resulted in a Conservative hold of the Welwyn Hatfield seat, with a majority of 10,955 votes. This marked Shapps’ fifth consecutive election victory in the constituency, having first been elected as the MP for Welwyn Hatfield in May 2005.Grant Shapps policies
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Grant Shapps Controversies
On March 15, 2015, in the United Kingdom, Grant Shapps, the Tory party chairman, faced controversy for maintaining a secret second job as a successful web marketer under the alias Michael Green after becoming an MP in 2005. Despite repeated denials, a recording from 2006 revealed Shapps boasting about his business ventures and potential profits, contradicting his earlier claims. This revelation led to scrutiny and calls for an inquiry into Shapps’ conduct. The controversy surrounding Shapps’ double life as Michael Green, which came to light during this event, raised questions about transparency, conflicts of interest, and the integrity of his public statements, prompting significant public and political backlash.In 2020, in the United Kingdom, Grant Shapps faced the controversy surrounding his oversight of COVID-19 travel rules during the COVID-19 Travel Rules Oversight event. The statement, “Grant wasn’t aware anyone had edited the picture. He removed it as soon as it was pointed out,” reflects his response to the incident. Shapps found himself in a challenging situation when he had to abruptly cut short his summer holiday due to sudden changes in travel corridors related to the Covid-19 pandemic. This oversight not only highlighted the complexities politicians encounter in complying with evolving COVID regulations but also drew public scrutiny. Grant Shapps resigned on November 15, 2023, amid claims that he failed to act on allegations of bullying within the Conservative Party. The accusations surfaced after the apparent suicide of a Tory youth activist, with the alleged bullying occurring while Shapps was co-chair of the party. The resignation followed a period of intense scrutiny and internal party turmoil surrounding the handling of bullying allegations.Grant Shapps life
According to recent reports, Grant Shapps, the British politician, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million (approximately £1.2 million). In addition, Shapps earns a salary of £159,038 per year as Secretary of State for Defence. Shapps claimed ownership of a $2 million home in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, as well as a Crossfire Convertible 3.2L car, which he described as “one of the first dozen on the road” in the UK, and 2 other unspecified “high-end luxury cars.” Additionally, Shapps reportedly owned his “own aircraft,” further demonstrating his significant personal wealth. Before entering politics, Shapps operated a business under the assumed name “Michael Green”, running a company called HowToCorp that sold internet marketing products. One of their offerings was a product called “TrafficPaymaster”, which was priced at £497 (or £247 on special offer) and claimed it could help users earn $20,000 in 20 days through a scheme called the “20/20 Challenge Toolkit”.In addition to his business ventures, Shapps also appears to have made investments that have contributed to his substantial net worth. Shapps tried to entice customers to pay $197 (£130) for his “toolkit of secrets to making a fortune”, claiming the true value of his “secret” was $100,000. This suggests that Shapps had accumulated significant wealth through various investment strategies.Grant Shapps Contact details- TikTok: @grantshapps
- Instagram: @grantshapps
- Twitter: @grantshapps
- Facebook: Grant Shapps Facebook
- LinkedIn: Grant Shapps LinkedIn
- Email: Grant Shapps Email
- Phone Number:
- Website: Grant Shapps for Welwyn Hatfield
- Office Addresses:
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