EURO President Ursula von der Leyen is now the frontrunner to lead NATO at the end of next year, insiders say.
Current Secretary General Jens Stolenberg had term extended to October 2024 yesterday after the alliance could not decide on a successor.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen is now the frontrunner to lead NATO
Now the one time German defence minister is a firm favourite to get the job as her term in Brussels ends next summer.
But her appointment would be highly controversial due to her poor track record in Germany that saw troops train with broomsticks and a major cronyism row.
Britain’s own Defence Secretary was blocked from the post – with the finger of blame pointed at US President Joe Biden after objections from the Germans and the French.
However Ben Wallace had picked up support from Eastern states like Poland.
Privately Nato insiders are furious that they failed to reach an agreement on replacing Stoltenberg this autumn.
A senior source in the 31-nation alliance said there was a growing consensus around von der Leyen.
Trending In The News revealed earlier this year that she was a leading contender if the timings could be made to work.
A source said: “The Americans want a woman and it helps that von der Leyen is German because it will force Berlin to step up to its Nato commitments.
“Stoltenberg’s extension really paves they way for her because both their terms are due to expire next year.”
The US had backed Danish PM Mette Frederickson but she failed to impress on a trip to Washington and Poland raised objections to yet another Nordic leader.
Rishi Sunak told the Cabinet that Mr Wallace had been an “outstanding candidate” for the role of Nato job.
The PM told the meeting of his top team that the Defence Secretary is “widely respected among world leaders and the only person at non-leader level to be considered” to head up the the alliance.
Downing Street said Mr Sunak believes Jens Stoltenberg has done an “excellent job” leading Nato and “will continue to have the UK’s support” in the role.
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