"A truly remarkable life of service": Tribute to Lord Christopher
Lord Christopher: 25 April 1925 – 12 July 2026
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Second World War veteran, formidable trade union negotiator and later a Labour peer, Tony Christopher was a loyal friend to me – and an inspiration to many. Words by Lord Evans
In a world where true characters have become increasingly rare, I feel immensely privileged to have known such a loyal friend and remarkable man. Lord Tony Christopher, who lived to the extraordinary age of 101, was unquestionably one of the most talented, intelligent and kind-hearted people I have ever had the blessing to know.
Born in Leckhampton in 1925, Tony passed away on Sunday 12 July 2026. He was an inspiration to me and to countless others whose lives he touched and helped throughout his long and distinguished career.
Tony attended Cheltenham Grammar School from 1936 to 1941 before continuing his education at Westminster College of Commerce. In 1944, aged just 19, he joined the Royal Air Force and served during the Second World War. In his later years, his wartime service gave him the distinction of being the last surviving Second World War veteran to have served as a member of the UK Parliament.
Tony began his professional career with the board of Inland Revenue in 1947. Ten years later, he became actively involved with the Inland Revenue Staff Federation, eventually being elected its general secretary in 1976 – a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 1988. He was a formidable negotiator who dedicated himself to representing and improving the lives of countless members.
His contribution to public service and trade unionism was recognised when he was appointed a CBE in the 1984 New Year Honours. In 1989, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), and in July 1998 he was granted a life peerage as Baron Christopher, of Leckhampton in the County of Gloucestershire.
Tony’s interests and contributions were extraordinarily wide-ranging. He chaired TU Fund Managers, served as a director of the Civil Service Building Society and contributed his considerable knowledge and experience to organisations including the General Medical Council and the Audit Commission and many others.
There seemed to be very little he did not know something about, yet he carried that knowledge with warmth, humour and generosity
His interests extended to penal reform, probation and aftercare, nuclear energy and agriculture – the latter being particularly close to his heart. He adored his dogs and possessed a deep and genuine love for animals.
Behind his distinguished public life was also a deeply caring and devoted husband. Tony cared tirelessly for his beloved wife, Adela Joy Thompson, affectionately known as Tom, during her serious illness and was heartbroken by her passing at the remarkable age of 105. Tom, who had worked for the BBC, was his perfect companion and soulmate.
Some of my fondest memories of Tony are the simplest.
On many days in the House of Lords, we would gather for tea with our friends Lords Tony Clarke, Barry Jones and Keith Brookman, occasionally joined by other special friends, including Baroness Patricia Scotland. We laughed enormously – and, naturally, between us we usually managed to solve most of the problems facing the United Kingdom and indeed the world!
Tony possessed an extraordinary breadth of knowledge. There seemed to be very little he did not know something about, yet he carried that knowledge with warmth, humour and generosity. He became an incredible mentor to me, and for his friendship, wisdom and guidance, I can never thank him enough.
Lord Tony Young and I had the great pleasure of organising Tony’s 100th birthday celebration in Parliament. It was wonderfully attended and brought him enormous happiness. He was joined by his loyal friends Janet, Marion, Helen, Margaret and Holly – a fitting celebration of an extraordinary century of life.
Tony, my dear friend, thank you.
Thank you for your friendship, your wisdom, your humour and, above all, for the immense contribution you made throughout your life to helping others, particularly those less fortunate.
You lived a truly remarkable life of service, achievement and kindness. You inspired so many of us, and you will be very greatly missed.
Lord Evans of Watford is a non-affiliated peer
