'Extraordinary' former civil service chief Sir Jeremy Heywood dies from cancer
2 min read
Theresa May has led tributes to former head of the civil service Sir Jeremy Heywood, who has died from cancer.
Sir Jeremy, who served as Cabinet Secretary between 2012 and 2018 and advised four Prime Ministers in key Number 10 roles - passed away aged 56.
It was announced two weeks ago that he would be replaced by Sir Mark Sedwill after he resigned to focus on his cancer treatment.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said: “This is extremely sad news and all of my thoughts are with Jeremy’s family and friends.
“The many retirement tributes paid to Jeremy from across the political spectrum in recent weeks demonstrated his extraordinary talent supporting and advising Prime Ministers and Ministers and leading the Civil Service with distinction.
“He worked tirelessly to to serve our country in the fined traditions of the Civil Service and he is a huge loss to British public life."
She added: “Jeremy will be sorely missed and I send my deepest condolences to Suzanne and the children and to all his family and many friends.”
His successor Sir Mark said he was an “exemplary public servant” who considered it a “privilege” to lead the Civil Service.
Yvette Cooper, chair of the the Home Affairs Select Committee, fought back tears as she was told of the death live on Sky News.
She said Sir Jeremy was a “very honorable public servant” who stopped Governments doing “stupid things on many occasions”.
“Jeremy was a wonderful public servant and he I think did a huge amount to hold governments together at very difficult times,” she said.
“His contribution to pub life for all governments, whatever your politics, was immense. I think we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Former cabinet minister Priti Patel took to Twitter to express her condolences, saying: “It was a tremendous privilege to work with him in Government.
"He was well respected as Cabinet Secretary & head of the Civil Service. He served our Country with great professionalism & he was a dedicated public servant.”
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