Former Cabinet secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood dies of cancer aged 56
Former Cabinet secretary and head of the civil service Sir Jeremy Heywood has died of cancer, aged 56.
Heywood, who served in Downing Street under Labour Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and Tory leaders David Cameron and Theresa May, retired from the civil service on 24 October to focus on his cancer treatment.
Downing Street confirmed his death this morning.
The Prime Minister said in a statement: "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 finest traditions of the civil service and he is a huge loss to British public life.
"I will always be grateful for the support which he gave me personally and will remember his achievements across his career as we regret that he did not have the chance to offer his talents for longer in retirement.
"Jeremy will be sorely missed and I send my deepest condolences to Suzanne and the children and to all his family and many friends."
Tributes to Heywood poured in on Twitter from across the political spectrum.
Business secretary Greg Clark said Heywood's death was a "great loss".
I feel very fortunate to have had the privilege of working with Jeremy Heywood. His death is a great loss. The benefit of Jeremy’s guidance during crucial times for our country will be experienced, if not widely known, by generations to come.
— Greg Clark (@GregClarkMP) November 4, 2018
Labour MP Yvette Cooper tweeted that Heywood was "the most remarkable public servant".
Very sad news about Jeremy Heywood. He was the most remarkable public servant. Most people will never know all the crises he solved, how he kept successive Governments functioning, or how much he cared for this country. We owe him deep thanks. Thinking of Suzanne & family https://t.co/bTPl1eix63
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) November 4, 2018
Former Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted:
Desperately sad news about Sir Jeremy Heywood. He was an amazing man, brilliant civil servant and dedicated to our country. It was a privilege to work with him. All our thoughts and love are with Suzanne and the children.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) November 4, 2018
Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Heywood was the "perfect civil servant".
'He was the perfect civil servant' – Lib Dem leader @vincecable pays tribute to Sir Jeremy Heywood who has died from cancer, aged 56.
For more, head here: https://t.co/V1LbBghhcw pic.twitter.com/Xrg3s2M6Ez
— Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge (@SkyPoliticsHub) November 4, 2018