Terror expert to run MI5

JASON BENNETTO

Crime Correspondent

An anti-terrorist expert and career civil servant is to head MI5 as the Security Service prepares to move into traditional policing for the first time.

The appointment of David Lander - the "in house" choice - is seen as an endorsement of the Security Service's recent policy of expanding its role into fighting organised crime and drug trafficking.

Mr Lander, 48, who is considered a "moderate and a professional", will take over the pounds 90,000-a-year job as director-general of M15 from Stella Rimington next Easter.

He joined the service in 1975 and spent two years at MI6 before heading MI5's anti-terrorist squad and later becoming a director of corporate affairs.

His selection comes at a crucial moment of change for the Security Service, with its 2,000 staff and pounds 150m budget. The Government is to bring in legislation to expand its role. It is currently restricted to protecting national security and the country's economic well-being.

Mr Lander is known to have been a keen supporter of the service's drive to work against organised crime. He will have to cope with increasing pressures to make MI5 more open and accountable. Last night, he said in a statement: "I am very pleased to have been invited to take the service forward at this time, building on the achievements under my predecessors."

Mr Lander, married with two children, was educated at Queen's College, Cambridge, and went on to take a PhD in history. Since joining MI5 in 1975, he has been responsible for monitoring Soviet spying activity in Britain and domestic subversion.

Downing Street also yesterday announced the appointment of another civil servant, David Omand, 48, to the job of heading the intelligence centre at Government Communication Headquarters in Cheltenham.