Phil Riley obituary

Bearded, pipe-smoking and softly spoken, Phil Riley was known to quote Beatles lyrics in meetings Photograph: NONEiMy father, Phil Riley, who has died aged 68 after suffering a stroke, was a chartered public finance accountant and historian. History was a lifelong love for him alongside his career and family. While slightly ambivalent about accountancy as a profession, he was a proud public servant, committed to good governance.He was born in Widnes, Cheshire. His start in life was not easy, and