Thomas Hurd is to become the new director-general at the Office of Security and Counter Terrorism, the Home Office has announced.
A former senior diplomat in the Middle East, Hurd has previously held a number of security and counter-terrorism posts. He will take over the role in April, replacing Charles Farr, who was last month appointed as the new chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee.
Home Office permanent secretary Mark Sedwill said Hurd would be responsible for the government’s strategy, policy and legislative response to the threats of terrorism and organised crime.
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“I look forward to working with him to deliver the government’s counter-terrorism and organised crime strategies, keeping our country safe and citizens secure,” he said.
Hurd is the son of former Conservative foreign secretary Douglas Hurd, now Lord Hurd of Westwell.