GCHQ is to appoint its first female director with MI5 chief Anne Keast-Butler poised to take up the role, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has announced.

Ms Keast-Butler is currently serving as Deputy Director General MI5 and will be the first woman to hold the top position at GCHQ. 

She will succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming, who in January announced his decision to step down after six years in the role. 

Ms Keast-Butler will take up her post in May. 

She said: "I am delighted to be appointed as the 17th Director GCHQ. GCHQ’s mission to keep the UK safe is as inspiring today as it was when it was founded more than 100 years ago, operating at the very heart of the UK and our allies’ response to some of the most challenging issues of our time.

"In just the last year GCHQ has contributed vital intelligence to shape the West’s response to the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine; helped disrupt terrorist plots; and worked tirelessly to tackle the ongoing threat of ransomware, the impact of which costs the UK dearly.

“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.

"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."

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