Senior MI5 agent will become first female boss at GCHQ in its 100-year existence

11 April 2023 , 17:44

716     0

Anne Keast-Butler is the current number two at the Security Service (Image: PA)

A senior MI5 spy is to become the first female boss of GCHQ.

Anne Keast-Butler has spent 30 years in national security, and is the current number two at the Security Service.

The married mother-of-three will take over as head of the British listening station in Cheltenham, Glos, next month – the 17th in its 100-year history.

Before holding senior roles at MI5, Ms Keast-Butler spent two years on secondment to GCHQ as head of counter-terrorism and serious organised crime.

She will succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming as he leaves after six years in the role.

Russia 'resorting to First World War-style attacks' in Ukraine, says minister

She said: “I was privileged to work in GCHQ a few years ago, so I know I am again joining a world-class team of people from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of skills, who share a singular focus on making our country safer, more secure, and more prosperous.

GCHQ in Cheltenham (Getty Images)

“I am passionate about continuing to ensure that GCHQ is an organisation where everyone can perform to their very best. I am so grateful for the vision and dedication Sir Jeremy Fleming has shown during his tenure, and the ways in which GCHQ has transformed under his leadership.

“I look forward to building on this in the months and years to come. I can’t wait to get started.”

The Oxford maths graduate has also worked in Whitehall over the last decade during which she helped launch the National Cyber Security Programme.

Sir Jeremy said: “Anne’s appointment is fantastic news for the organisation.

“I have worked with Anne for decades and think she is a brilliant choice with deep experience of intelligence and security in today’s technology-driven world.”

Announcing her appointment, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “Anne Keast-Butler has an impressive track record at the heart of the UK’s national security network. “She is the ideal candidate to lead GCHQ, and Anne will use her vast experience to help keep the British public safe.”

Chris Hughes