https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/p...hief-rkjv29hps
PM wants a new defence chief
Boris Johnson is preparing to replace the head of the armed forces before the summer, earlier than planned, unleashing a battle royal between a fellow Old Etonian and two other commanders for the role.
General Sir Nick Carter, chief of the defence staff (CDS), had been expected to stay in post until the autumn. But according to senior Whitehall sources, Johnson signalled last week that he wanted him gone by June and that a letter was being prepared to inform him.
Last night No 10 said a final decision had not been made. But a well-placed source familiar with the discussions said Johnson had “tired” of Carter, 61, and was keen to move on. “He is set to deny his request for an extension,” the source said.
It is understood that Johnson wants new leadership to begin what he has called a “once-in-a-generation modernisation” of Britain’s military might.
The recent strategic defence and security review gave the armed forces a £16.5bn cash boost over four years to buy new kit, while shifting its focus to a new global maritime strategy and cyber and drone warfare rather than traditional arms and armour.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, 54, who is in charge of strategic command, is thought to be the choice of Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, to replace Carter. The outgoing CDS has also “been telling anyone who is prepared to listen” that the job should go to Sanders.
But he faces a rearguard action from the army and the navy, which are lobbying for their own commanders to take the top job.
General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, 56, an Old Etonian with a special forces background, is being pushed by those who think the largest of the three services should keep the job.
“He’s impressive, smooth and he’s their current boss,” a defence source said. “It looks like a fight between the two generals.”
The navy, which has not had a CDS since Admiral Lord Boyce in 2001-03, is also pressing for the promotion of Admiral Tony Radakin, 55, the first sea lord.
His case is bolstered by Johnson’s backing for the navy’s two new aircraft carriers and the decision that the UK should be more proactive around the world, making the presence of the fleet felt in the Far East as well as the Gulf.