Dame Stella Rimington the first woman to run MI5 dies aged 90
Stella Rimington died aged 90 her family announced (Credits: PA)
Dame Stella Rimington, the former first female director general of MI5, died aged 90.
Her family announced the successful author passed away ;surrounded by her beloved family and dogs and determinedly held on to the life she loved until her last breath’.
Stella Rimington inspired the character of M in the James Bond films as portrayed by Dame Judi Dench, reflecting her prominence and leadership style.
It is even rumoured that her dress style at the time influenced M’s wardrobe choices.
She directed high-profile counter-terrorism efforts during the early 1990s, including the IRA bombing campaigns in London.
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Dame Stella Rimington – Family AnnouncementIt is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dame Stella Rimington, the first female Director General of MI5 and author. She died last night, 3rd August 2025. pic.twitter.com/FdgZqAmBy0
She became the first woman to lead the UK’s domestic security service (MI5), breaking a major gender barrier in national intelligence.
And she was also the first MI5 chief to be publicly named, with her identity and photograph officially released—marking a shift toward greater transparency and inclusivity in the British secret services.
In 2001, Stella published her autobiography, Open Secret and she has since published ten novels featuring the MI5 officer Liz Carlyle.
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