Robert Hannigan named as new head of spy listening agency GCHQ

A senior civil servant who oversaw Britain’s first cyber security strategy was today named as the new head of spy listening agency GCHQ.

Robert Hannigan, director general for defence and intelligence at the Foreign Office since 2010, will succeed Sir Iain Lobban in the autumn.

Home Office counter-terrorism chief Charles Farr and an unnamed senior MI6 spy are also believed to have been on the shortlist to head GCHQ.

Mr Hannigan said: “It is a privilege to be asked to lead GCHQ, an organisation which is so central to keeping the people of this country safe.”

Foreign Secretary William Hague, who oversees the listening centre in Cheltenham, said the father-of-two had “impressive personal qualities”.

Mr Hannigan was born in Gloucestershire, grew up in Yorkshire and studied Classics at Wadham College, Oxford. He joined the Civil Service from the private sector.