Britain's top spy will be a woman for the first time in MI6's 116-year history, Sir Keir Starmer has announced.

Blaise Metreweli has been unveiled as the new chief of MI6, becoming the first woman to hold the post since the organisation was founded in 1909.

The appointment will draw comparisons with 'M', the fictional head of Britain's spying agency imagined by Ian Fleming in his James Bond books.

M was played for many years in the Bond films by Dame Judi Dench.

Commonly referred to as 'C', Metreweli will have operational responsibility for MI6, and is the only publicly named member of the organisation.

Metreweli reports to the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters travelling with him to the G7 summit in Canada: "The historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli comes at a time when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital.

Blaise Metreweli has been unveiled as the new chief of MI6

"The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale – be it aggressors who send their spy ships to our waters or hackers whose sophisticated cyber plots seek to disrupt our public services.

"I’d like to thank Sir Richard Moore for his dedicated service, and I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our county and keep our people safe – the foundation of my Plan for Change."

Foreign Secretary David Lammy added: "I am 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."

MI6 is responsible for gathering intelligence overseas to support the UK's foreign and defence policies

Cabinet Secretary Christopher Wormald said Metreweli "will embody the values of the Service and act as a fine role model to its staff".

Metreweli is currently Director General 'Q', responsible for technology and innovation in MI6, and has previously held Director-level roles in MI6 and MI5.

She will succeed Sir Richard Moore, who leaves the Service in the autumn.

Metreweli will succeed Sir Richard Moore, who leaves the Service in the autumn

She said: "I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service.

"MI6 plays a vital role - with MI5 and GCHQ - 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."