Sir Jeremy Heywood photographed for CSW by Louise Haywood-Schiefer
Past and present prime ministers, perm secs and other colleagues reacted to news of Sir Jeremy Heywood’s retirement with an outpouring of praise for the former cabinet secretary’s talent and drive.
Heywood announced yesterday that he would retire from his role with immediate effect on medical advice. He had been on a leave of absence since June to receive treatment for cancer, with Sir Mark Sedwill deputising – a role now made permanent.
Prime minister Theresa May praised Heywood’s “exemplary service to the public” in his 35-year civil service career, a view underscored by predecessors David Cameron, Gordon Brown, and Tony Blair.
“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,” she said.
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“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.”
Cameron, who May succeeded as prime minister in July 2016, said he had first met Heywood when they both worked in the Treasury in the 1990s.
“It was obvious then that he was hugely talented – and he went on to become the outstanding civil servant of his generation,” he said.
“The fact that he has worked so well with prime ministers from different parties and in different circumstances is a testament to his ability, judgement and temperament. I will never forget the brilliant work he did for me over six years in No 10. He will be missed by ministers and officials alike.”
Blair said Heywood was an “outstanding public servant”. He added: “Sending to him my very best wishes for a full recovery and full support to his wonderful family.”
Brown, who served as prime minister from 2007-2010 – when Heywood was head of domestic policy and strategy at the Cabinet Office – thanked the outgoing cabinet secretary for his “outstanding leadership and public service”, which he said had been “selflessly given to our country”.
Lord Gus O’Donnell, who Heywood succeeded as cabinet secretary in January 2012, said Heywood was “an inspirational civil servant” who commanded respect across the political spectrum.
“He has served many prime ministers with great distinction and will be missed by all his colleagues,” he said.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs perm sec Clare Moriarty observed that while it was an honour to work with Heywood, he could be a demanding taskmaster.
“It has been a massive privilege to be part of Jeremy Heywood's perm sec team – challenged by his forensic intellect, supported by his warm personality, encouraged by his genuine commitment to diversity and inspired by his deep sense of public service,” she said.
Department for Education permanent secretary Jonathan Slater praised Heywood’s work ethic and sent all his “very best wishes”.
“Jeremy Heywood is not only the cleverest and most hard working man I have ever met, but also a fantastically supportive colleague and boss,” he said.
Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union – which represents senior public sector officials – said that Heywood’s career had spanned some of the “most important and difficult times” for the nation.
“A loss to government that too few will recognise,” he wrote on Twitter. “Best wishes for your recovery.”