5 days ago
RAF chief to be named as new head of Armed Forces
Sir Richard Knighton will be announced as the next Chief of the Defence Staff, The Telegraph understands.
The current Chief of the Air Staff was interviewed alongside General Sir Roly Walker, the head of the Army, to become the new professional head of the British military.
The Telegraph understands that the Prime Minister has selected Sir Richard to become the new Chief of the Defence Staff when Admiral Sir Tony Radakin stands down in the autumn.
It is understood that Sir Roly, who has only been Chief of the General Staff for a year, 'interviewed well' but was not considered to have served in the role long enough to be promoted to the top chief position.
Sir Richard, who as a non-pilot made history as the first engineer to hold the top job within the RAF, will take over as Chief of the Defence Staff later in the year.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: 'This is speculation. The appointment process is ongoing and any announcement will be made in the usual way.'
