The three remaining candidates to guide MI6 are ladies, together with former envoy to China Barbara Woodward, in accordance with the newspaper
Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) might be led by a girl for the primary time since its creation in 1909, the Sunday Instances has reported. The present MI6 chief, Richard Moore, will step down this autumn.
The British newspaper reported on Sunday that interviews for the place had been held final week, and all three shortlisted candidates are ladies. In accordance with the publication, the UK’s ambassador to the UN and former envoy to China, Barbara Woodward, is among the many contenders.
The identities of the opposite two are being saved secret as they at the moment function MI6 officers.
In distinction, Woodward lacks a background in intelligence. She taught English in China earlier than becoming a member of the Overseas Workplace in 1994. The Sunday Instances famous that critics of ‘Beijing Barbara’ have accused her of being reluctant to criticize the Chinese language authorities whereas serving as ambassador to the nation, and siding with Beijing over the problem of Taiwan independence in a while.
The newspaper quoted former Tory chief Duncan Smith, who was sanctioned by the Chinese language authorities, suggesting that Woodward’s potential appointment as MI6 chief may “finish in catastrophe for the UK,” as she “was lower than strong about Chinese language actions” in her earlier position.
The ultimate choice on the appointment rests with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, primarily based on suggestions from an professional panel comprising Overseas Secretary David Lammy, Nationwide Safety Adviser Jonathan Powell, and different senior officers.
In February, the US Senate confirmed the nomination of former Democratic congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard as director of nationwide intelligence, giving her oversight over 18 US intelligence companies, together with the CIA and FBI.
The Iraq Conflict veteran lacked prior intelligence expertise and has been an outspoken critic of the US intelligence group and the nation’s international coverage, together with its help for Ukraine. Her positions led some detractors to query whether or not she is match for such a delicate submit.
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