Chant, a career civil servent, is currently the deputy chairman and director general of strategic service delivery at the Inland Revenue.

She began her working life in 1963 at the National Assistance Board, and successfully climbed the ranks to become chief executive of the Contributions Agency in 1991. She later became chief executive of the Child Support Agency from 1994 - 1997. She became managing director of Business in the Community from 1997 - 1999.

Appointed director general in January 2000, she was later promoted to deputy chairman in June 2000.

One of Chant's first jobs as acting chairman will be to oversee the possible merger with Customs & Excise, depending on the outcome of permanent secretary to the Treasury, Gus O'Donnell's report into the efficiencies of both departments.

Gordon Brown is widely tipped to recommend a merger after which the search for a permanent successor to take the reigns over both departments will begin in earnest.

See also:

Brown to unveil shortlist for new tax chief

Gordon Brown is expected to reveal the 'captain of industry' hired to lead the merged Customs and Inland Revenue body within days, after a shortlist of candidates was interviewed for the position last week.  05 May 2004

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