News story

Appointment of the new Director General of the Security Service

Ken McCallum has been named as the new head of MI5.

• From: Home Office, Cabinet Office, The Security Service and The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP
• Published: 30 March 2020
• Last updated: 31 March 2020 — See all updates

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

Ken McCallum has been appointed as successor to Sir Andrew Parker as the head of MI5, Home Secretary Priti Patel announced today.

Currently serving as Deputy Director General, Mr McCallum has worked for the Security Service for almost 25 years.

His time included overseeing all counter-terror investigations in the run-up to, and during, the 2012 London Olympics.

There will be a handover period before Mr McCallum takes over from Sir Andrew when he retires at the end of April.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

Since becoming Home Secretary, I have worked closely with Ken and I’m delighted to appoint him as the new Director General.

We are facing unprecedented national security threats and I’m confident that his experience and vision will allow the UK to meet those challenges head on.

I also would like to pay tribute to Sir Andrew Parker, who has led the service through a very challenging period which saw the threat to the UK evolve rapidly. He has served his country with dedication and commitment and I thank him for his efforts.

Ken McCallum said:

MI5’s purpose is hugely motivating. 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.

The Cabinet Secretary, Sir Mark Sedwill, said:

Ken McCallum’s expertise and leadership will be crucial to ensuring that the Security Service remains agile and creative in the face of new and emerging threats to our security. I know that he will be a fantastic Director General and I look forward to working with him.

Ken will work closely with Sir Andrew Parker ahead of his retirement. I would like to thank Sir Andrew for his many years of distinguished leadership of the women and men of the Service, and his dedication to keeping our citizens safe and our country secure.

Mr McCallum will take up his new post at the end of April.

A detailed biography of Ken McCallum can be found on the MI5 website.

Published 30 March 2020
Last updated 31 March 2020 + show all updates

1. 31 March 2020

   Photo added of Ken McCallum.

2. 30 March 2020

   First published.