New Head Of Armed Forces Is Appointed

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach has been appointed the new Chief of the Defence Staff.

His appointment as head of the British military was approved by the Prime Minister and Buckingham Palace within the last few days.

Air Chief Marshal Peach will take over from General Sir Nicholas Houghton later this year - and his main challenge will be to lead the ongoing military efforts against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

The deteriorating situation in Libya will also be a major issue in the coming months.

Air Chief Marshal Peach was one of three candidates for the role, and the surprise choice.

The other two in the frame were the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas and General Sir Richard Barrons, who was the Ministry of Defence’s preferred man for the role.

It is understood David Cameron met all three men in Downing Street over the past fortnight and decided on Air Chief Marshal Peach as his choice.

The Ministry of Defence has refused to comment.

Mr Cameron said: "I want to thank General Sir Nick Houghton for his many years of dedicated service to this country - especially the years he has led our armed forces in an ever more unstable world.

"I'm confident that Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach is the right man to continue General Sir Nick Houghton's great legacy.

"For over a decade Sir Stuart has delivered exemplary leadership of the armed forces, with an extraordinary record of achievement.

"His experience as Commander Joint Forces Command and Chief of Joint Operations will be invaluable as we continue to ensure our brave armed forces remain among the most capable and agile in the world."

A navigator, Air Chief Marshal Peach flew on Canberra photographic reconnaissance planes and Tornado GR1s.

He has seen operational service in Turkey, Germany, Belize, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Recently he has worked as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.

The last CDS to come from the RAF was Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup in 2010.

Air Chief Marshal Peach is married with two children and has a passion for cooking and military history.