Everton fan new British spy chief

Jun 10 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

AN EVERTON supporter has been selected to be the new chief of Britain’s spy network GCHQ.

Iain Lobban has been chosen to succeed Sir David Pepper as Director, GCHQ – Sir David is retiring in July.

The foreign secretary said: “Sir David has made a huge personal contribution to GCHQ, leading its transformation to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“His successor is well placed to take this work forward – Iain Lobban has an impressive track record in intelligence and is extremely well qualified to lead GCHQ in its vitally important work.

“I wish him every success in his new position and look forward to working with him.”

According to the Foreign Office, Iain Lobban joined GCHQ in 1983, a graduate of Leeds University, and most of his early career has been spent engaged in operational intelligence work.

Iain Lobban was promoted to the GCHQ Board in 2001.

He took up his current post as Director-General Operations in 2004.

He is married and his leisure interests include football – he is described as “a keen Everton supporter” as well as photography.