In his letter to the Prime Minister, Sir Mark said:
Two years ago, when my predecessor fell ill, your
predecessor asked me to step in as Cabinet Secretary,
and you asked me to continue to support you through
Brexit and the Election period. It was obviously
right to stay on for the acute phase of the Covid-19
crisis. As you are setting out this week, the
Government’s focus is now shifting to domestic and
global recovery and renewal.
I am fortunate to have served in some of the most
challenging and rewarding jobs in national and
international public service under seven prime
ministers and in extraordinary times. I am grateful
for your confidence and friendship as both Foreign
Secretary and Prime Minister. I wish you well and, of
course, remain at your disposal in the years ahead.
It has been a privilege to serve.
In his response, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Sir
Mark’s public service:
Over the last few years I have had direct experience
of the outstanding service that you have given to the
Government and to the country as a whole.
It has been by any standards a massive contribution -
but as PM I have particularly appreciated your calm
and shrewd advice.
You have also spoken with a unique authority -
unusual in a Cabinet Secretary - on international
affairs and national security; and as National
Security Adviser you have done much to keep this
country safe. It is therefore great news that you
have agreed to continue to serve this country on the
international stage, beginning with the UK’s
preparations for the G7 summit next year.
You have done it all in Whitehall: from Afghanistan
to the modernisation of the civil service; from
immigration policy to Brexit and defeating
coronavirus. After serving for decades with great
distinction - and unflappable good humour - I believe
you have earned the gratitude of the nation.
In recognition of his distinguished service to public
life, the Prime Minister, with the approval of HM The
Queen, has nominated
for a life peerage.
The Prime Minister has also asked Sir Mark to lead a
new G7 panel on Global Economic Security as the UK
assumes the presidency. Its mission will be to ensure
that the global free trading system on which our
economy is based remains fair, competitive and secure.
The First Civil Service Commissioner, , will shortly
launch a competition to appoint a new Cabinet Secretary
and Head of the Civil Service. Applications will be
invited from existing and former permanent secretaries.
, currently the Prime Minister’s Europe
Adviser and the UK’s Chief Negotiator, will succeed Sir
Mark as the Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser.
