Clue: Outstanding leader in intelligence, M, noting subterfuge? (6,9)
Answer: STELLA RIMINGTON
Explanation: Outstanding leader in intelligence, M, noting subterfuge? (6,9)
A charade of STELLAR ('outstanding') plus I ('leader in **I**ntelligence') plus 'M' plus INGTON, an anagram ('subterfuge') of 'noting'. As a former Director of MI5, makes an &lit answer.