Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is increasingly likely to become the next secretary general of Nato, now that American president Joe Biden and the British government have backed his appointment.

Both Reuters and Politico say that Biden’s support for Rutte, who has been prime minister for 13 years, has been confirmed.  “President Biden strongly endorses PM Rutte’s candidacy to be the next secretary general of Nato,” a US official told Reuters.

“Prime minister Rutte has a deep understanding of the importance of the alliance, is a natural leader and communicator, and his leadership would serve the alliance well at this critical time.”

Britain’s foreign office issued a statement on Thursday saying it strongly backed Rutte’s appointment. “He is well-respected across the alliance, has serious defence and security credentials, and will ensure that the alliance remains strong and ready to defend and deter,” a government spokesman said.

Politico said earlier on Wednesday that two-thirds of the 31 Nato countries are backing Rutte’s nomination to take over leadership when Jens Stoltenberg steps down in October.

Nato is keen to announce Stoltenberg’s successor soon to avoid the appointment becoming entangled in the European elections in June or the upcoming US presidential election campaign.

Rutte, for his part, said on Saturday that Europe should “stop moaning and whining and nagging” about Trump and focus instead on what it could do for Ukraine.

Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen told reporters on Thursday she would not accept the position if it was offered to her and neither Estonia’s premier Kaja Kallas nor Lithuania’s Krisjanis Karins – both touted as possible candidates – have declared a public interest in the job.

If Rutte is appointed before a new coalition has been formed, he will have to decide whether to carry on as caretaker prime minister until October or step aside early to prepare for his next role.

In the latter case, the VVD would have to find someone else to take charge of the outgoing cabinet between the VVD,  D66, the Christian Democrats (CDA) and ChristenUnie.