Tributes to UK’s former top civil servant Heywood after death at 56

NORTHERN Ireland’s top civil servant is among those who have paid tribute following the death of former Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood.

Sir Jeremy (right), the former head of the UK Civil Service who served four Prime Ministers, died yesterday aged 56 following a battle with cancer.

Theresa May, David Cameron, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown all hailed his tireless work.

The announcement of Sir Jeremy’s death came just days after he retired following decades as one of Whitehall’s most senior mandarins.

It led to him being regarded as a key behind-the-scenes influence in the shaping of modern Britain.

Mrs May hailed his impact on the country, saying: “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.”

The head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service David Sterling also paid tribute, saying: “Jeremy made an immense contribution to the Civil Service over many years. He was a man of considerable courage, compassion and intellect.

“Jeremy managed many complex issues and challenges with tenacity and professionalism.

“He was an exceptional leader whose steadfast adherence to Civil Service values was exemplary. He set high standards and has left a lasting legacy.

“Despite huge pressures on his time he was a constant source of invaluable advice, support and encouragement to me over the past year.”

Sir Jeremy had been Cabinet Secretary since 2012 and previously served as principal private secretary to Prime Ministers Blair and Brown, chief of staff to Mr Brown, and Downing Street permanent secretary to David Cameron.

He revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with cancer in June 2017, but remained in post during a summer of political upheaval triggered by the shock general election result.

He took a leave of absence in June and announced on October 24 that he was stepping down, with acting Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill taking over the role on a permanent basis.

Mr Blair said Sir Jeremy had been “a quite outstanding public servant and someone I came to have enormous respect for both as a professional and as a person”.

Mr Cameron said: “He was an amazing man, brilliant civil servant and dedicated to our country.”

Sir Jeremy’s wife Suzanne said he “crammed a huge amount into his 56 years” and “loved his work as a civil servant and was hugely proud of his colleagues”.