Civil service boss steps down over ill health following cancer diagnosis
Head of the civil service Sir Jeremy Heywood has stepped down from the role over ill health after being diagnosed with cancer last year, the Cabinet Office announced today.
National security advisor Sir Mark Sedwill, who has been acting cabinet secretary since Heywood took a leave of absence in June, will take on the role permanently.
Heywood, who joined the civil service 35 years ago, has been nominated for a life peerage by the Prime Minister who thanked him for his "exemplary service".
The UK's most senior civil servant, who took on the role in 2014, used the announcement today to defend the civil service from "recent 'noises off' from anonymous commentators" and said the service is "in robust health, well-equipped to provide the support the country needs over the coming months and years."
"On a personal level I have very much appreciated the support of the Prime Minister over the last few months and all the messages of goodwill received from so many current and former colleagues, friends and acquaintances," he added.
"The whole public service will want to thank Jeremy for his tireless and outstanding service to our nation, and for the values he exemplifies. He has had a profound, positive and lasting impact and will be greatly missed," said Sedwill.