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Dame Stella Rimington, the first woman to lead MI5 and a trailblazer for transparency in British intelligence, has died at the age of 90, sparking tributes from across the globe.

Dame Stella Rimington, the first woman to lead the UK’s Security Service (MI5) and a figure widely credited with demystifying the secretive world of British intelligence, has passed away at the age of 90. Her family announced that she died peacefully on Sunday, "surrounded by her beloved family and dogs."

Rimington’s tenure as Director-General from 1992 to 1996 marked a pivotal shift for the agency. She was not only the first female to hold the top job but also the first whose name was publicly announced upon her appointment. This move towards greater transparency was a hallmark of her leadership, and she famously held the first-ever press conference for an MI5 chief in 1993.

Current MI5 Director-General Sir Ken McCallum paid tribute, stating that Rimington "broke through long-standing barriers" and her legacy of openness "continues to this day." He highlighted her as a "visible example of the importance of diversity in leadership." Sir Richard Moore, the head of MI6, also offered his condolences on X, calling her a "true trailblazer."

Beyond her career in espionage, Rimington forged a successful second act as a best-selling thriller novelist, drawing on her extensive knowledge of the intelligence world. She was also a board member for companies like Marks & Spencer and chaired the judging panel for the Booker Prize. Her impact on popular culture was cemented when she became the inspiration for Dame Judi Dench's character 'M' in the James Bond films.

Source Live Link: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/mi5-judi-dench-richard-moore-south-norwood-sad-b1241464.html