MI5 secretive over age of youngest-ever boss
The spy who led the investigation into Russia’s attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal has been appointed MI5’S youngest-ever boss – but his precise age has not been revealed. Ken Mccallum will take over as director general of MI5 when Sir Andrew Parker retires in April. Mr Mccallum is in his mid-40s but MI5 is refusing to say just how old he is. The reason for not revealing his age is unclear but not thought to be related to his personal security.
THE spy who led the investigation into Russia’s attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal has been appointed MI5’S youngest-ever boss – but the security service is refusing to say just how old he is.
Ken Mccallum, a state-educated Glaswegian, is to take over as director general of MI5 when Sir Andrew Parker retires in April after leading the organisation since 2013.
Mr Mccallum is in his mid-40s but MI5 has declined to give his precise age. The reason for not revealing it is unclear but not thought to be related to his personal security.
Despite his relative youth, Mr Mccallum is an MI5 veteran who will be seen as the “continuity” candidate, having served 25 years in the security service, latterly as deputy to Sir Andrew.
His work has ranged from counterterrorism to cyber security and the successful Skripal investigation, which led to the identification of the ex-Russian agent’s would-be assassins and the worldwide expulsion of 153 Russian diplomats. Mr Mccallum’s appointment will be welcomed within MI5 where he is known as an “approachable” and down-to-earth chief, according to sources, while his expertise in cyber security, counter-terrorism and Russian intelligence are seen as critical in facing those growing threats.
Mr Mccallum’s first 10 years as a spy were focused on Northern Ireland terrorism, culminating in his work to help secure the peace process.
He then held senior operational roles in countering Islamist extremist terrorism. This was followed by a period leading on cyber security before, in 2012, Mr Mccallum took charge of counter-terrorism investigations for the London Olympics. He was then seconded to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
In April 2015, Mr Mccallum took on the role of director general strategy, shaping legislation to deal with the threat from Isil. He was appointed deputy director general of MI5 in April 2017, heading its operational and investigative work.
He was responsible for implementing the lessons learned from the 2017 terror attacks, and detecting and countering Right-wing terrorism. The following year he took charge of the Skripal investigation. According to MI5, one of his priorities is to harness the opportunities of new technology.
Mr 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,” he said.