British Prime Minister Theresa May has named Gavin Williamson as Britain's new defense minister after his predecessor Michael Fallon was forced to resign in the midst of a sexual harassment scandal.

May's office, in a November 2 statement, announced the appointment of Williamson. He previously had been the Conservative Party's chief whip in parliament -- a role in which he was tasked with maintaining voting discipline amongst lawmakers from May's party.

Michael Fallon stepped down as defense minister late November 1 after saying that his behavior had "fallen below the high standards required" of his role.

Earlier in the week, Fallon had apologized for putting his hand on the knee of a journalist in 2002.That apology came amid widespread speculation that other allegations against Fallon were likely to emerge.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa