Mass Media: Boris Johnson tipped to become next secretary general of NATO

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being touted as a candidate to fill the key defense post with the incumbent Jens Stoltenberg widely expected to stand down in September next year, reported from The Telegraph.

"People will probably argue over Boris Johnson's legacy for years – but one thing which is clearly inarguable is his absolutely staunch support for Ukraine in the face of Russian barbarity," reads the article.

Members of the British Defense Committee also support Johnson's candidacy for the post of Secretary General of NATO.

However, there was concern among the top brass, with Lord Richard Dannatt, former head of the British Army, saying that he could not support Johnson because of his character.

The peer told The Telegraph: "Undoubtedly, he has done a lot of good things and our full square support for Ukraine is fantastic.

"But I am afraid it is the personal stuff, the lack of integrity, the lack of trust. Frankly, we don't want to expose Boris Johnson on the international stage for more ridicule. He is a national embarrassment."

A senior Ministry of Defense figure also expressed doubts, given there was a likelihood that Emmanuel Macron, the French President, would veto him.

One source told The Telegraph: "The reality is that NATO sec gens are appointed by unanimous decision. Any country can veto.

"Do you think President Macron would nominate Boris Johnson to be the sec gen of NATO? It is a challenge for a Brit full stop. You need the United States to support you and the French to say 'yes'."

The next head of NATO was due to be appointed this September but was delayed by a year due to the crisis in Ukraine.





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