Chris Martin

Christopher Jon Martin, (15 May 1973 – 25 November 2015) was a British civil servant. He was Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister from 2012 to 2015.

Early life Martin was born on 15 May 1973 in West Bromwich, Black Country, England. He studied physics at the University of Bristol before switching to a degree in politics, and graduated in 1996.

Career After graduating from university, Martin took the Civil Service fast-stream entrance exam. He came top and chose to join HM Treasury for what would be the last months of Kenneth Clarke's tenure.

In January 2010, Martin moved to the Cabinet Office and was appointed deputy to the Cabinet Secretary (then Sir Gus O'Donnell). In 2015, he was also appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO); he was presented with the insignia for his CVO during a special ceremony in hospital (UCLH) on 21 November 2015, four days before his death.

He was described by former Head of the Civil Service Jeremy Heywood as "quite simply, one of the finest civil servants of his generation".

Personal life In 2005, Martin married Christina Scott. Shortly before his death he married Zoe Conway, a BBC journalist. Martin was a fan of Arsenal F.C. and held a season ticket.

Death Martin died from sarcoma on 25 November 2015. Tributes were paid to him during Prime Minister's Questions, and the Officials' Box was left empty on the request of the Prime Minister. A memorial service was held at St Margaret's, Westminster on 18 October 2016. He is buried on the eastern side of Highgate Cemetery.