Dame Lesley Strathie, former Chief Executive Officer and Permanent Secretary at HM Revenue & Customs, passed away on Saturday, January 14.
Dame Lesley stood down as Chief Executive in November for health reasons, having been diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year.
She joined HMRC in November 2008 and was formerly Chief Executive at Jobcentre Plus. Previously she had held posts at the DWP and Department of Employment during her civil service career.
Dave Hartnett, Permanent Secretary for Tax, said: "I am deeply saddened by the news of Lesley's death. She was a wonderful friend and colleague who worked hard all her life serving the public.
She defended HMRC, often in the face of strong criticism, but always set herself high standards and expected the same of others. She will be greatly missed by everyone she worked with during her time at HMRC and by all former colleagues in other departments."
