Gavin Williamson sacked as Defence Secretary after Huawei leak

The defence secretary has been asked to leave government

Gavin Williamson has been sacked as defence secretary after the government "lost confidence in his ability to serve in the role." Theresa May's decision to dispose of Williamson follows a leak from the National Security Council regarding Huawei's involvement in the UK's 5G network. Downing Street released the following press release explaining the decision to request he leaves government: "The prime minister has this evening asked Gavin Williamson to leave the government, having lost confidence in his ability to serve in the role of defence secretary and as a member of her cabinet. "The prime minister’s decision has been informed by his conduct surrounding an investigation into the circumstances of the unauthorised disclosure of information from a meeting of the National Security Council. "The prime minister thanks all members of the National Security Council for their full cooperation and candour during the investigation and considers the matter closed."