The future path for Boris Johnson, who stepped down from the role of British Prime Minister, remains unclear to many observers. Some outlets hinted he might retreat from politics entirely, while others reported he is weighing a run in the Conservative leadership race to steer the party in a new direction.
Media speculation increasingly ties his political trajectory to NATO. Reports from The Telegraph suggest Johnson could pursue the position of Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the near term, with some insiders in Parliament supporting this possibility.
The Telegraph notes that within the Conservative Party there is some enthusiasm for such a move. For instance, Richard Drax, a Conservative member serving on the Defence Committee, described Johnson as an exceptional British figure and indicated his readiness to back him.
His pronounced stance against Russia, especially amid the Ukraine conflict, is seen by many as a strength for a potential NATO leadership role. This tough approach aligns with the United States’ interest in stronger European resolve against Moscow. The same coverage observes that Johnson, during his prime ministership, offered clear support to Kyiv, backing measures intended to assist Ukraine during what Moscow calls a special operation. A petition urging Johnson’s appointment from Kyiv’s presidential office reportedly circulated online, highlighting the level of support he could command there.
Any country can veto
Despite the buzz, Johnson remains a polarizing figure, and not everyone envisions him at the helm of NATO. Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of Global Affairs in Russia, argued that the United Kingdom should test Johnson’s candidacy but warned of broad skepticism. He noted that many Conservative rivals and Labour candidates during debates distanced themselves from Johnson, reflecting a divided reception across political camps.
Richard Dannatt, formerly the British Army’s Chief of Staff, criticized Johnson as a potential NATO leader, labeling him a national embarrassment and expressing concerns about presenting him to the international stage where he might draw ridicule.
Even if Johnson is nominated, NATO’s requirement for unanimous agreement could complicate the process because of tensions among alliance leaders. A Telegram source in Parliament suggested that President Macron’s stance could significantly influence the outcome, given the delicate balance among European partners. Fyodor Lukyanov echoed concerns that French leadership might resist such an appointment.
Other regional heads of state have their own views. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has had a tense dynamic with Johnson, is unlikely to welcome his candidacy, given past comments and disputes. A 2016 exchange in a British magazine saw Johnson criticizing Erdogan in caustic terms, a point that has lingered in assessments of Johnson’s fit for a unified NATO leadership. In recent discussions at NATO’s Madrid summit, Johnson’s role became a point of contention, with some observers noting that US President Joe Biden had to intervene during a moment of heated exchange between Johnson and Erdogan. The broader takeaway is that Johnson’s image as a controversial figure complicates his potential acceptance across the alliance.
Johnson’s firm Brexit stance also weighs in the debate. Critics argue that continued frictions between the UK and EU on trade could hinder his acceptance as NATO Secretary General, as European partners might view his approach to European integration as a strategic obstacle. A leading Russian analyst noted that Brexit differences would likely be perceived as a challenge to collective European policy, which could complicate Johnson’s prospects in a role demanding broad consensus across Europe.
Opponents in the battle for the post of Secretary General
Analysts contend that in the current geopolitical climate, candidates from Central and Eastern Europe may win greater support for the NATO post. This view predates current events and has persisted in assessments of alliance dynamics. Earlier reporting suggested the election could reflect the ongoing friction with Russia, signaling to Moscow the trajectory of alliance leadership.
Some observers have even floated the possibility that the next Secretary General might be a woman, with names from Croatia, Lithuania, and Estonia mentioned in discussions among European outlets. Proponents of alternative candidates have named leaders like Kaja Kallas, Mark Rutte, and Klaus Iohannis as attractive options, citing broader regional representation and differing leadership styles.
With the field unsettled, some analysts argue that Johnson may not be the right fit for the role amid current alliance priorities. They note that the desire for a leader who can bridge European concerns with American strategy remains a decisive factor for NATO. The consensus view of several experts is that Johnson is unlikely to be the frontrunner given the present political and diplomatic landscape.
As debates about the successor to the outgoing secretary general continue, observers emphasize that the decision will hinge on a complex mix of regional considerations, alliance cohesion, and the capacity to withstand internal and external pressures during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.