The top civil servant in the Treasury has left his post after six years.
Sir Tom Scholar said newly-appointed Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng had decided it was time for “new leadership”.
He wished the department “all the best for the times ahead”, adding he will be “cheering on from the sidelines”.
A successor will be appointed shortly, the Treasury said.
In the meantime, Beth Russell, director general of tax and welfare, and Cat Little, director general of public spending, will lead the department as acting permanent secretaries.
Mr Kwarteng said Sir Tom had helped steer the Treasury and Government through “many economic challenges”, and he leaves the Civil Service with “the highest distinction”.
The Chancellor said: “Tom has been a dedicated and exceptional civil servant and I thank him for his exemplary service to the Government and the country for the past 30 years.
“He’s helped steer the Treasury and the Government through many economic challenges, from the financial crisis to the Covid pandemic, and he leaves the Civil Service with the highest distinction.”
While Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case, added: “Both personally, and on behalf of the whole civil service, I would like to thank Tom for his remarkable public service and leadership.
“Tom has been a steadfast and loyal colleague to so many of us - and we will be forever grateful for his wise advice, generosity, humour and decency.”
Sir Tom Scholar
Parliament
Kwasi Kwarteng
Dominic Lipinski