Jon Thompson, HMRC chief executive, said: ‘Over the course of the department’s history, there has always been a partnership at HMRC’s helm, with a specific focus on tax as well as on the organisation itself.

‘I propose continuing this tradition with the appointment of a second Permanent Secretary to lead our work on tax, fiscal events and to be the tax assurance commissioner. They will also lead on Brexit, which will continue to grow in importance over the next few years.’

The appointment has Cabinet Office and Treasury approval and will be advertised across the Civil Service shortly.

Thompson said: ‘Due to the level of tax policy expertise and knowledge of the UK tax system required, we will be limiting our search to existing civil servants only, and hope to announce the new appointment before the end of this year.’

Troup, a qualified solicitor with experience gained in the private sector at Simmons and Simmons, joined HMRC in 2012 from the Treasury, where he was director of business and indirect tax before being promoted in 2010 to director-general of tax and welfare.

At HMRC Troup was the most senior tax professional, ending his time with the department as appointed as executive chair and first permanent secretary, having also has fulfilled the roles of tax assurance commissioner and head of the former business group Central Tax and Strategy.

Report by Pat Sweet