Von der Leyen could be ousted as EU boss in 2024 with rival tipped for challenge

Ursula von der Leyen , President of the European Commission , is facing the prospect of a challenge to her leadership, with one insider claiming an “obvious” rival is already plotting to topple her in 2024. The 64-year-old, appointed to the post in 2019, is highly likely to seek a second term next year – but sources have suggested France’s Thierry Breton , the European Commissioner for Internal Market, had other ideas. Mr Breton, who is also a former French finance minister, has already hinted at a possible tilt at the Commission’s top job. When questioned about his ambitions in December, he explained: ‘I may be able to consider a new Plan B assignment.’ However, while his remark appeared to be said tongue-in-cheek, it now appears he was being serious. Ursula von der Leyen is President of the European Commission (Image: GETTY) One unnamed senior political aide told Politico: ‘It’s obvious that Breton wants this job. In fact, it’s becoming more obvious every day.’ Mr Breton would need the backing of all of Europe’s leaders, as well as the confirmation of the European Parliament in order to replace Ms von der Leyen after next year’s elections. However, he is a highly influential member of the commission, with insiders suggesting he is working hard to make himself look indispensable and raise his profile. Recently he is understood to have been instrumental in blocking the appointment of Fiona Scott Morton, a US economist, to an advisory role within the commission. Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Market (Image: Getty) In doing so, he may have been motivated by a personal rivalry with Denmark’s Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, who pushed for Ms Morton’s appointment. Another insider explained: ‘Breton had a chance to p*** off Vestager, and that’s not something he would pass up. ‘There are probably secondary benefits since he makes no secret of his intentions to take over the presidency of the Commission.’ Ms von der Leyen is also losing Frans Timmermans, beaten to the top job by Ms von der Leyen in 2019 and now executive vice president. European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager (Image: Getty) Frans Timmermans confirmed his domestic political ambitions last week (Image: Getty) Speaking on Thursday, Mr Timmermans confirmed his intention to become Prime Minister of his native Netherlands after the collapse of Mark Rutte’s Government. Ms Vestager has also confirmed she is interested in the position of European Investment Bank chief and will go by the autumn if she succeeds. Given she has the backing of Berlin, Ms von der Leyen is still well placed for a second term should she seek one – but there has also been speculation that she is keen on the role of NATO Secretary-General. Incumbent Jens Stoltenberg is due to step down from the role in October 2024, and the job is one which may appeal to the 64-year-old former German defence minister. Speaking last week, one member of the European People’s Party group within the Parliament, with which she is affiliated, admitted uncertainty clouded her future. They said: ‘We don’t know what the hell is going to happen. And we need to know.’