Blaise Metreweli CMG appointed chief of Secret Intelligence Service

Commonly referred to as ‘C’, the chief has operational responsibility for MI6 and is the only publicly named member of the organisation. The chief is accountable to the Foreign Secretary.

Metreweli is currently director general ‘Q’, responsible for technology and innovation in MI6, and has previously held a director-level role in MI5. She will succeed Sir Richard Moore, who leaves MI6 before the end of the year.

Prime Minister Keir 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 UK is facing threats on an unprecedented scale, be it from aggressors who send their spy ships to our waters or hackers whose sophisticated cyber plots seek to disrupt our public services.”

The Prime Minister added: “I would like to thank Sir Richard Moore for his dedicated service. I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our country and keep our people safe, which is the foundation of my ‘Plan for Change’.”

Emerging security threats 

Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated: “I’m delighted to appoint Blaise Metreweli as the next chief of MI6. With a wealth of experience from across our national security community, Blaise is the ideal candidate to lead MI6 into the future. At a time of global instability and emerging security threats, where technology is power and our adversaries are working closer together, Blaise will ensure the UK can tackle these challenges head on to keep Britain safe and secure at home and abroad.”

Lammy continued: “Every day, our intelligence services work behind the scenes to protect our national security and compete with our adversaries. That’s why I’m proud that we are investing an extra £600 million in our intelligence community such that it can continue to defend our way of life.”

He concluded: “I would also like to pay tribute to Sir Richard Moore for his service and leadership. I’ve worked closely with him over the past year and thank him for his valuable contribution towards enhancing our national security and protecting the British public.”

Experience and leadership

Cabinet Secretary Christopher Wormald commented: “Blaise Metreweli’s experience and leadership in the intelligence community will help MI6 to protect the foundation of our national security and project our interests overseas. Blaise will be an excellent chief who’ll embody the values of the Secret Intelligence Service and act as a fine role model to its staff.”

Wormald added: “I would like to thank Sir Richard Moore for his excellent leadership of the Secret Intelligence Service over the past five years and his contribution to UK national security during that time and over his long career.” 

Commenting on her appointment, Blaise Metreweli CMG said: “I’m proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service. Along with MI5 and GCHQ, MI6 plays a vital role 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.” 

Outgoing MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore observed: “I’m absolutely delighted by this historic appointment of my colleague, Blaise Metreweli, to succeed me as ‘C’. Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, as well as being one of our foremost thinkers on technology. I’m excited to welcome her as the first female head of MI6.”

*Further information is available online at www.sis.gov.uk