MI6 makes history: First woman set to lead UK's Secret Intelligence Service

For the first time in its history, MI6 is poised to appoint a woman as the head of UK’s Secret Intelligence Service.

The agency, widely known as MI6, has narrowed its shortlist for the top job to three female candidates, all of whom have made it to the final stages of the selection process, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

This groundbreaking development means that the position of Britain’s top intelligence officer, known internally as “C,” will be held by a woman. While the names of at least two of the candidates remain undisclosed for security reasons, it is known that they are serving intelligence officers.

One of the leading contenders is the current head of MI6’s engineering division. Insiders have described her as a strong candidate for the role. In addition, Dame Barbara Woodward, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has also emerged as a prominent figure in the race. A former head of the UK Border Agency, Woodward has not previously worked at MI6, but her background in diplomacy and national security has made her a favorite among experts. 

The current MI6 chief, Sir Richard Moore, who served as the British ambassador to Turkey before taking the helm of the intelligence service in 2020, is set to retire later this year. His five-year term will conclude, prompting an accelerated search for his successor.

By Naila Huseynova