Defence Secretary sacked following Huawei leak rumours

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has been sacked from his role after allegedly disclosing plans to allow Chinese telecoms giant Huawei to help build the UK’s future 5G network.

Williamson has strenuously denied leaking any information to Huawei, but was relieved of his post by Prime Minister Theresa May in a meeting last night.

Opposition MPs have called for a police investigation into the matter, to see if Williamson was in breach of the Official Secrets Act.

There has been no formal confirmation of Huawei’s rumoured role in the UK’s planned 5G network and Theresa May has said a final decision would be made at the end of spring.

The US government has been campaigning hard among allies to exclude Huawei from delivering 5G, because of its security concerns.

Huawei has denied there is any risk of spying or sabotage, or that it is controlled by the Chinese government – despite being repeatedly accused by America and its allies.

Downing Street has said that it had ‘compelling evidence’ on the matter, and that the issue is now resolved.

Penny Mordaunt has taken over Williamson’s role as defence secretary – the first woman in the position – and prisons minister Rory Stewart is replacing her as international development secretary.