The British newspaper The Times has revealed that the MI6 intelligence agency is preparing to appoint a woman as its chief for the first time in history.
According to the report, MI6 is currently considering three female candidates who have reached the final stage of interviews.
The newspaper stated that all final candidates for the position are women, including two officers currently serving in MI6.
The final interviews took place last week, marking an unprecedented step in the long-standing history of the British intelligence agency.
Leading Contender: Barbara Woodward
In a related development, The Times has revealed the identity of one of the three candidates — Barbara Woodward, a seasoned diplomat who previously served as the UK ambassador to China and is currently the highest-ranking official in the British Foreign Office.
However, the report highlighted criticism surrounding Woodward's candidacy due to her perceived sympathetic stance toward China.
Upcoming Leadership Change
This development comes as the current MI6 chief, Richard Moore, prepares to step down in the fall of this year after leading the agency for five years.