Former HMRC Chief Lesley Strathie Dies

DAME Lesley Strathie, former CEO of HM Revenue & Customs, has died.

Dame Lesley stood down from the role in November for health reasons, having been diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year.

The former Jobcentre Plus chief executive joined HMRC in November 2008, having also held posts at DWP and the Department for Education.

Dave Hartnett, HMRC 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."