Turnbull served as Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister (1988-1992) and Permanent Secretary to the Treasury (1998-2002), the latter traditionally the second-highest-ranking Civil Service post, before succeeding to the highest-ranking post.
Turnbull served as Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister under Thatcher and Major (1988-1992). He served as Defra permant secretary then Permanent Secretary to the Treasury (1998-2002), the latter traditionally the second-highest-ranking Civil Service post, before succeeding to the highest-ranking post.