Grant Shapps Resigns From Missile Manufacturer After Watchdog Investigation Into Rules Breach

Sir Grant Shapps has resigned as chairman of Cambridge Aerospace, a missile manufacturer, effective 30 April. His departure follows an investigation by the ministerial ethics watchdog, Sir Laurie Magnus, who concluded that Sir Grant "allowed a perception of impropriety to develop" and "failed to uphold the standards expected in the rules" concerning former ministers' post-government employment.

The resignation came after Cambridge Aerospace secured a multi-million-pound government contract to supply "Skyhammer" interceptor missiles to the UK and its Gulf client regimes. Sir Grant, who served as Defence Secretary under Rishi Sunak, claimed he had no involvement in the deal or the company's military work, despite holding the title of "chairman." He stated he was "one of several co-founders" but did not chair the board or act as a director.

The now-defunct Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) had approved Sir Grant's role in 2025 with the condition that he avoid defence-related work for two years after leaving office. Sir Laurie Magnus questioned Sir Grant's compliance, noting the company "seems publicly to have only one project, which is defence-related," contradicting Sir Grant's initial description of the firm as focused on "civilian aerospace."

Sir Grant apologised for not seeking further advice as the company shifted towards defence work, describing it as "an oversight." However, he declined to answer detailed questions from Sir Laurie, citing "legal obligations of confidentiality." Labour MP Phil Brickell welcomed the resignation but called for more robust sanctions for former ministers found to have breached such regulations.