During his many years working in the tax world, Chris made a major contribution to the profession and was a very active member of CIOT, not only as President 2015-16 but as chair of the Conferences Working Party. 

He was also founder of CIOT's New Tax Professionals group which worked to engage newer members with the CIOT and of course was a regular lecturer at CIOT and other events. He had recently become vice-chair of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, supporting Anne Fairpo and the in-house team.

In a statement CIOT president John Preston said: ‘I am shocked and saddened to hear of Chris’s untimely death. ‘Chris had such dynamism and passion that he brought to everything he did, from hosting webinars to chairing CIOT Council. Just a few weeks ago he was on sparkling form carrying out hosting duties at Taxation magazine’s 90th birthday party.

‘As his vice president I saw first hand the energy and dedication that Chris brought to his presidency of the Institute, on everything from digitalisation to promoting tax education in schools. He was always generous with his time and selfless in his efforts on behalf of others.

‘He was a valued member of the committee advising the government on HMRC’s Taxpayers’ Charter and a passionate advocate for the tax charities never missing an opportunity to promote the campaign to raise more funds for them.

‘And it was characteristic of Chris that as soon as he left the CIOT’s team of Officers he took up a new opportunity to serve, as deputy fhair of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group.

‘Chris made an immense contribution to the Institute, to tax publishing and to the tax profession as a whole. On a personal level he was a good friend and a valued counsellor. He will be greatly missed.’

Just a few weeks ago, Chris attended the annual CIOT President’s Reception and this served as a reminder of Chris’ huge personality, as when CIOT President himself he organised an unforgettable musical evening at Abbey Road Studios in North London, attended by 100s of CIOT members and involving a memorable choral recitation of the CIOT charter.

Chris spent nearly 25 years at LexisNexis UK, which he joined in 2003, after selling ATC Tax Training Limited to the LN Group. He was also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers. Aside from his TolleyTax role, he also had a portfolio of owner managed business clients through his directorship in CJP Taxation, a firm of chartered tax advisers based on the south coast.

After studying industrial economics at the University of Nottingham, Chris joined PKF (UK) LLP in 1989 where he trained and qualified as a CTA in 1994. 

At this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences and thoughts to his partner Tom and son Charlie, and to all his family, friends and colleagues.