London: Stella Rimington, the first woman to head the UK’s domestic secret service MI5, has died at age 90, the spy agency said on Monday.

Rimington, who led MI5 from 1992 to 1996, was believed to be the inspiration behind the female role of M in the James Bond movies, played by UK star Judi Dench.

She was the first director general of intelligence service publicly named, as before Rimington’s appoin­t­ment in 1992, MI5 chiefs were never identified or photographed. Publication of her identity caused a press fre­nzy.

“As the first avowed female head of any intelligence agency in the world, Dame Stella broke through barriers and was an example of importance of diversity in leadership,” the current MI5 director general Ken McCallum said.

“Her leadership ushered in a new era of openness and transparency about the work MI5 does to keep this country safe, which continues to day.” MCallum presented his cond­olences to Riming­ton’s husband, 2 daughters and family after her death on Sunday. 

Her family said: “She died surrounded by beloved family and dogs and held on to the life she loved till last breath.”

Born on May 13, 1935, in London’s South Norwood, Rimington was first employed as a part-time typist at the British embassy in Delhi, having accompanied her diplomat husband to India. She then joined MI5 in a full-time post in 1969. —AFP