Boris Johnson expected to announce new armed forces chief this week

Navy chief Tony Radakin and SAS general Sir Patrick Sanders are frontrunners for the position

Boris Johnson has interviewed five candidates to head Britain's armed forces, with navy chief Adm Tony Radakin and the general responsible for the SAS, Sir Patrick Sanders, frontrunners for the job.

Defence sources said the prime minister had been advised to pick a new military leader with operational experience" to replace the outgoing Gen Sir Nick Carter, whose credibility was damaged by the chaotic exit from Afghanistan.