'Extraordinary' former head of UK civil service Sir Jeremy Heywood dies from cancer

Sir Jeremy Heywood - Image credit: Louise Haywood-Schiefer/Civil Service World

Theresa May has led tributes to former head of the civil service Sir Jeremy Heywood, who has died from cancer.

Heywood, who served as cabinet secretary to the UK cabinet between 2012 and 2018 and advised four prime ministers in key Number 10 roles, passed away yesterday aged 56.

As well as working with Theresa May, Heywood was permanent secretary to David Cameron, chief of staff to Gordon Brown and principal private secretary to both Brown and Tony Blair.

Heywood had been on leave of absence since June and it was announced two weeks ago that he would be replaced as head of the civil service 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 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 Sedwill, said he was an “exemplary public servant” who considered it a “privilege” to lead the civil service.

Yvette Cooper, chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, fought back tears as she was told of the death live on Sky News.

She said Heywood was a “very honourable 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 prime minister Gordon Brown tweeted: “Jeremy Heywood was a unique civil servant who may not always have agreed with Ministers’ proposals but always offered a positive and often better alternative.

“He will be sorely missed for the remarkable contribution he has made to Britain.”