Rishi Sunak throws weight behind Defence Sec Ben Wallace to be new Nato chief

RISHI Sunak threw his weight behind "fantastic" Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to head up Nato, thanks to his leadership on Ukraine.

The PM hailed Mr Wallace as "widely-respected amongst his colleagues around the world".

And he said he'd be having "conversations" with world leaders including President Biden this week when he visits Washington.

But he hailed the UK leading the way in the war in Ukraine as a key reason a Brit should lead the alliance.

The Defence Secretary has finally admitted he would love the role.

Speaking today in Kent at a small boats speech, Mr Sunak told The Sun: "Ben does a great job, he is a fantastic defence Secretary.

"This is a conversation that is happening amongst leaders around the world."

And he said the UK's role internationally put us in a fantastic place to help lead the alliance.

The current head, Jens Stollenberg is stepping down in September, with runners and riders jostling for the top spot.

In an apparent swipe at the Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, who is also eyeing up the top job, Mr Sunak stressed: "Britain has always been a leading contributor to Nato.

"We are one of a handful of countries that always met our obligation to spend 2 per cent of GDP on defence.

"Currently we are spending even more than that."

Denmark spends just half of Britain in terms of GDP - around 1.3 per cent - and won't reach two per cent until at least 2033.

He added, boasting of our record: "We've been a leader in Nato operations, we are one of the only countries that participates in every single Nato operation.

"We are widely perceived as a thought leader in Nato.

"And I think if you ask the Secretary General of Nato he will agree with everything I've just said.

"We will always continue to be a strong participant."