Top civil servant Sir Jeremy Heywood treated for cancer

The UK's top civil servant, Sir Jeremy Heywood, has been receiving treatment for cancer.

The Cabinet Office said Sir Jeremy, who has been cabinet secretary since 2012, was diagnosed in June.

In a statement, it said the 55-year old had received treatment over the summer and the early autumn which "went well".

Sir Jeremy, it added, had continued his "normal duties" during this period with the full support of his doctors and remained "totally focused" on doing so.

As cabinet secretary and head of the civil service, Sir Jeremy is responsible for advising the prime minister and cabinet on the business of government, including the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

The Cabinet Office said it would be making no further comment on "this private matter".

Sir Jeremy, who is sometimes characterised in the media as the most powerful figure in the British government, has worked closely with four prime ministers during a 25-year career in Whitehall.

Under Tony Blair he was principal private secretary before becoming permanent secretary at Number 10 to both Gordon Brown and David Cameron.