The three remaining candidates to lead MI6 are women, including former envoy to China Barbara Woodward, according to the newspaper
Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) will be led by a woman for the first time since its creation in 1909, the Sunday Times has reported. The current MI6 chief, Richard Moore, will step down this autumn.
The British newspaper reported on Sunday that interviews for the position were held last week, and all three shortlisted candidates are women. According to the publication, the UK’s ambassador to the UN and former envoy to China, Barbara Woodward, is among the contenders.
The identities of the other two are being kept secret as they currently serve as MI6 officers.
In contrast, Woodward lacks a background in intelligence. She taught English in China before joining the Foreign Office in 1994. The Sunday Times noted that critics of ‘Beijing Barbara’ have accused her of being reluctant to criticize the Chinese government while serving as ambassador to the country, and siding with Beijing over the issue of Taiwan independence later on.
The newspaper quoted former Tory leader Duncan Smith, who was sanctioned by the Chinese authorities, suggesting that Woodward’s potential appointment as MI6 chief could “end in disaster for the UK,” as she “was less than robust about Chinese actions” in her previous role.
The final decision on the appointment rests with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, based on recommendations from an expert panel comprising Foreign Secretary David Lammy, National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, and other senior officials.
In February, the US Senate confirmed the nomination of former Democratic congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, giving her oversight over 18 US intelligence agencies, including the CIA and FBI.
The Iraq War veteran lacked prior intelligence experience and has been an outspoken critic of the US intelligence community and the country’s foreign policy, including its support for Ukraine. Her positions led some detractors to question whether she is fit for such a sensitive post.
