Blaise Metreweli appointed as first female head of MI6
Independent2 days
UK: Blaise Metreweli Becomes First Female MI6 Chief
Above: A U.K. intelligence service (MI6) logo pictured at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, in December 2018. Image copyright: Andrew Milligan/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Metreweli's appointment as the first female head of MI6 is a historic and welcome step. With deep experience in both MI6 and MI5 and a sharp focus on innovation, she's the right leader for a world of digital threats and global instability. Her leadership proves that diversity in intelligence is not merely a matter of affirmative action but rather a vital asset in defending British interests.
Opposition narrative
It's disappointing that Dame Barbara Woodward was overlooked for the role of C following unjust media accusations over links to China. Her calm strength, strategic clarity, and diplomatic integrity made her the natural choice. Rejecting her in favor of safer optics is a missed chance for principled, experienced leadership at a critical moment for U.K. intelligence and security.