Ben Wallace says he wouldn’t rule out future bid to be Tory leader

Defence secretary, 52, appears to have had change of heart after not putting himself up as candidate last summer

He was a surprise absentee from the leadership race in July, but the defence secretary, Ben Wallace, is now being touted as a replacement for Liz Truss.

The 52-year-old, a staunch remainer who is a favourite among many Tory members, ruled himself out of this summer's contest on personal grounds.