Ben Wallace says he won’t be next Nato chief

Ben Wallace, the UK’s defence secretary, is out of the race to become the next Nato chief, as rumours swirl Jens Stoltenberg will be asked to extend his term.

Stoltenberg’s term ends in the autumn and there had been speculation Wallace was set to replace him, but he recently told the Economist, “It’s not going to happen.”

Several Nato countries are reportedly lobbying Stoltenberg to remain in his post, for at least another year, considering the war in Ukraine and economic hardships around the world. 

Nato is the West’s defensive military alliance. It has 31 members who agree to help each other if they come under attack. 

Speaking to German media about the top job last month, Mr Wallace said: “I’ve always said it would be a good job. That’s a job I’d like. But I’m also loving the job I do now.”