Sir Jeremy Heywood is to permanently stand down as the UK's top civil servant as he continues to recover from cancer.

Earlier this year, Sir Jeremy took a three-month leave of absence from his role as cabinet secretary and head of the civil service to receive treatment for cancer and a related infection.

At the time, Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Sir Mark Sedwill, her national security adviser, as Sir Jeremy's replacement.

Now Sir Jeremy has made his absence permanent, Sir Mark will become his full-time replacement as the most senior Whitehall official, as well as continuing in his national security role.

Image: Sir Jeremy Heywood served as Cabinet Secretary from 2012

As cabinet secretary since 2012, Sir Jeremy served as the most senior policy adviser to both David Cameron and Theresa May, while also being responsible for running the cabinet.


From 2014, Sir Jeremy also oversaw Whitehall as head of the civil service and led nearly half a million public servants as they deal with Brexit.

Mrs May said: "Jeremy has given exemplary service to the public in his civil service career.

"He has worked constantly to improve our country's future and to deliver for the public, serving prime ministers and ministers of all parties with distinction in the finest traditions of the civil service.

"I am personally grateful to him for the support he has given me as prime minister. He has made an enormous contribution to public life in our country and will be sorely missed."

Sir Jeremy, who first joined the civil service in 1983, thanked Mrs May for her support, as well as "all the messages of goodwill received from so many current and former colleagues, friends and acquaintances".

He added: "Above all, I would like to thank all the hard-working civil servants across the UK who keep this country moving forward.

"Thank you for allowing me to be your leader for the last six-and-a-half years. It has been the greatest privilege of my career."

Sir Jeremy Heywood is the outstanding civil servant of his generation. Sam and I wish him well with his retirement, treatment and recovery. pic.twitter.com/F1Dy9vNYlK — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) October 24, 2018

Sir Jeremy also used a statement to attack "a number of recent 'noises off' from anonymous commentators, adding: "I believe that the service is in robust health, well-equipped to provide the support the country needs over the coming months and years."

Former chancellor Lord Lawson is among Brexiteers to have claimed the civil service is working to "frustrate" the UK's departure from the EU.

Sir Jeremy was diagnosed with cancer in June last year but initially continued his duties while undergoing treatment.

His £195,000 role saw him regularly billed as one of the most powerful people in the UK.

Mrs May has nominated Sir Jeremy for a life peerage in the House of Lords, while Mr Cameron described him as the "outstanding civil servant of his generation".