First woman to run MI5 inspiring M from James Bond dies aged 90

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.

She became the first woman to lead the UK’s domestic security service (MI5), breaking a major gender barrier in national intelligence in 1992.

And she was also the first MI5 chief to be publicly named, with her identity and photograph officially released—marking a pivotal shift toward greater transparency in the British secret services.