British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, ahead of a trip to the US this week, heightens speculation that he wants NATO allies to back his Defence Secretary Ben Wallace as the defence alliance's next chief. Asked whether he would push in Washington for Wallace's appointment, Sunak does not directly answer but heaps praise on his 53-year-old cabinet colleague. "This is a conversation that is happening amongst leaders... I would say Ben is widely respected amongst his colleagues around the world", Sunak says. Wallace, a former captain in the British Army, is seen as a leading contender to replace Jens Stoltenberg who will retire as NATO secretary-general in October after two terms. SOUNDBITES