Sir Alex Younger, the former head of MI6, has died, with Sir Keir Starmer leading tributes to his “utmost dedication” to protecting the country.
He led the Secret Intelligence Service, the agency also known as MI6, between 2014 and 2020.
Sir Alex died at the age of 62 after being treated for cancer.
Paying tribute, the Prime Minister said: “I was saddened to learn of the news of the death of Sir Alex Younger.
“Sir Alex Younger led an exemplary life and career, ultimately serving as chief of the Secret Intelligence Service from 2014 to 2020.
“He will be remembered by the many ministers, colleagues, friends, and family for his utmost dedication to British public life and protecting our nation. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Nick Robinson, the BBC journalist who presents Radio 4’s Today programme, said he had become friends with Sir Alex after he appeared on the flagship news broadcast.
Writing on social media site X, the journalist said: “After he first appeared in the programme, I was lucky enough to get to know Alex and call him my friend. I’m desperately sad to hear the news I’ve long feared was coming.
“Alex has died after months trying to cheat the prognosis he was given.”
Mr Robinson said Sir Alex had nicknamed his tumour “Putin” after Russian President Vladimir Putin, when it was discovered.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said Sir Alex had “served his country with enormous distinction and he was a thoroughly decent and kind man who I’m sure will be hugely missed by everyone who knew him”.
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