M15 chief to quit

John Reid paid tribute to MI5 chief Eliza Manningham-Buller

Friday, 15, Dec 2006 12:00

The head of MI5, Eliza Manningham-Buller, is to resign next April after four and a half years in the job.

She said she made the decision before the London bombings last summer, noting that by the time she leaves, she would have been an officer of the security services for 33 years.

"I have been privileged to lead the service when it is facing the two challenges of a very serious threat and the consequent need to grow and change at a dramatic rate to tackle that threat," Dame Eliza said in a statement last night.

"I'm confident that the service will continue to serve the UK to the best of its ability and I shall watch its progress with great interest."

Her decision to quit comes at a critical time for the British security services. In a speech last month, she said MI5 was aware of 30 terror plots against the UK and revealed that 200 groups and more than 1,600 individuals were being monitored.

Home secretary John Reid has recently completed a government-wide review of the UK's resources and capabilities in dealing with the threat of terrorism, and it is expected to recommend a major shake-up of the way such operations are organised.

This may include the creation of a new counter-terrorism department in government. Mr Reid told MPs earlier this week that Britain needed a "seamless, integrated, driven, politically-overseen counter-terrorism strategy".

He said last night that Dame Eliza's contribution to the security of Britain "has been invaluable", adding: "Eliza has given 33 years of dedicated service to the nation and we owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude."

In a statement, Tony Blair said: "Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller has dedicated herself to the protection of this country, our people, and our way of life. I would like to pay personal tribute to her outstanding leadership following the awful events of 7 July 2005."