General Sir Peter Wall named new head of Army

(PA)

General Sir Peter Wall is to be the next professional head of the British Army, it was announced today.

Gen Wall, 55, who is currently the Commander-in-Chief Land Forces, will take over as Chief of the General Staff in September.

He succeeds General Sir David Richards who is to become the overall head of the armed forces as the Chief of the Defence Staff.

Lieutenant General Sir Nick Parker, who is deputy commander of international forces in Afghanistan, will be the new Commander-in-Chief Land.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: "I'm absolutely delighted with both of these appointments. We're very lucky to have men of such high calibre at this time."

Gen Wall takes over at a difficult time for the Army.

He will have to oversee the continuing operations in Afghanistan amid clear signs that the new coalition Government is anxious to start bringing home the 10,000-strong British contingent as soon as possible.

At the same time he will be responsible for implementing the outcome of the strategic defence and security review - which is expected to see painful cuts for all three armed services.