VVD stalwart Henk Kamp is set to take over as minister of defence following the resignation of Ank Bijleveld in the wake of the chaotic Kabul evacuations last month, while Ben Knapen (CDA) will take over from Sigrid Kaag at foreign affairs.

The appointments, not yet confirmed but widely anticipated, are on a temporary basis, given the cabinet is currently operating in a caretaker role.

Kamp, 69, was defence minister from 2002 to 2007 and later served as social affairs and then economic affairs minister. He currently chairs the healthcare provider umbrella organisation Actiz.

Knapen, 70, leads the CDA in the senate. He served as junior foreign minister from 2010 to 2012 and was later head of the European Investment Bank.