MI5’s deputy head will take the top job at the spy agency next month promising a sharper focus on China and to work more closely with the private sector in harnessing artificial intelligence in tackling hostile state and terrorist activity.
Ken McCallum, a career MI5 officer, has been the agency’s deputy director general since April 2017 and was seen by insiders as the heir apparent at an organisation that prides itself on internal appointments to its leading position.
The Glaswegian, who the organisation will only say is “in his 40s”, replaces Sir Andrew Parker, who had been due to step down in April after seven years as the director general in charge of the the UK’s domestic security service. His appointment was announced by the home secretary, Priti Patel, on Monday.
“MI5’s purpose is hugely motivating,” McCallum said. “Our people – with our partners – strive to keep the country safe, and they always want to go the extra mile. Having devoted my working life to that team effort, it is a huge privilege now to be asked to lead it as director general.”
Insiders said that McCallum wanted to be clearer about the threat posed by China – particularly in…
