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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".

Labour MP Yvette Cooper tweeted that Heywood was "the most remarkable public servant".

Former Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted:

Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Heywood was the "perfect civil servant".