The next chief of Britain’s foreign intelligence service could be the first woman to hold the role in the history of the agency, which was formed in 1909.

Current head of MI6, Alex Younger has personally selected a female candidate as the frontrunner on a shortlist of potential successors, according to a Sunday Times report that cites an anonymous intelligence source.

There is no immediate vacancy and shortlist of potential successors has been drawn up to provide a smooth transition in the event of change.

The frontrunner is understood to have proven to have “strong operational capabilities” as well as experience of running agent networks overseas.

She has also been honoured by the Queen for her work on foreign policy.

Mr Younger’s decision comes amid a drive by MI6 to diversify its workforce.