Blaise Metreweli now leads the Q section of MI6, which focuses on technology and innovation. Credit: MI6
The UK will have its first female chief of MI6, the country’s foreign intelligence service. This historic announcement came from Keir Starmer, who said Blaise Metreweli will take over from Sir Richard Moore this autumn. She will be the 18th person to lead the secret service.
A Long Career in Intelligence
Blaise Metreweli, 47, has worked in intelligence since 1999. She is currently in charge of MI6’s Q section, which focuses on technology and innovation. She also held top roles in MI6 and MI5, the UK’s domestic security agency. Metreweli studied social anthropology at Cambridge University. Much of her career involved operational work in the Middle East and Europe.
Starmer Highlights Growing Threats
Starmer said, “The historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli comes at a time when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital. The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale, be it aggressors who send their spy ships to our waters or hackers whose sophisticated cyber-plots seek to disrupt our public services.”
Metreweli’s Reaction
Metreweli said, “I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my service. MI6 plays a vital role – with MI5 and GCHQ – in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas. I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners.”
Breaking a Long-Standing Tradition
Since MI6 started in 1909, it never had a woman at its helm. MI5 had two female leaders in the past, and GCHQ currently has Anne Keast-Butler as its first female head. Metreweli’s rise breaks a long tradition of male leadership in MI6.
A Role Known as “C”
The head of MI6 goes by the title “C” internally. This person is the only officer publicly named. Over time, “C” has become more visible, giving speeches and posting on social media.
About the Outgoing Chief
Sir Richard Moore will step down soon. He has been MI6 chief since September 2020. British spy chiefs usually serve a maximum of five years before moving to consulting or private work. Moore was a diplomat before joining MI6. He served as ambassador to Turkey and built a strong relationship with its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Life Imitates Art
Metreweli’s new role recalls the famous character “M” played by Judi Dench in the James Bond movies. For over 17 years, Dench portrayed Bond’s boss, showing a strong female leader in a spy world.
