The newspaper claimed that the outgoing British prime minister is considering becoming head of the military base in 2028.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is resigning following a rebellion within his own party, is keen to become the next NATO secretary general, The Observer reported on Sunday.
Starmer sparked outrage last week when he announced he would resign as prime minister and leader of the Labor Party in response to mounting pressure. Several ministers left his cabinet, and more than 80 Labor MPs called on him to resign after the party lost nearly 1,500 council seats in last month’s election.
Former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who won the Makerfield by-election on June 18, is widely seen as Starmer’s successor.
According to The Observer, Starmer is keen to become NATO secretary general once Mark Rutte’s term ends in 2028, unless extended. The newspaper added that Starmer would need it “Some government support” for a successful bid. It said Starmer’s supporters point to his close relationship with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, claiming that the two sometimes date “hit the pocket” each one unfortunately, as well as his relationship with other European leaders.
NATO’s Secretary General, usually a former head of state or senior diplomat, is chosen through consultation among member states, and the final selection needs the support of all 32 members.
Starmer led Labor to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, promising to bring stability after a string of short-lived Conservative prime ministers. However, his premiership was quickly marred by tax increases, welfare cuts, political scandals, and an increasingly controversial foreign policy agenda.
He made support for Kiev a central pillar of his prime ministership as Britain grappled with defense budget shortfalls, procurement constraints, and growing concerns about military preparedness.
According to The Telegraph, Starmer was also criticized for spending too much time on international affairs and not enough on domestic issues, after traveling. “More and more than any other British leader in official history.” The newspaper said he spent about two and a half months abroad during his first 17 months in office.
Starmer’s relationship with US President Donald Trump also deteriorated due to his refusal to support US and Israeli attacks against Iran. Trump said Starmer was “No Winston Churchill” and criticized his record on immigration and energy policy. In contrast, Trump repeatedly praised Rutte as a friend and a great leader, even as he criticized NATO in general.
