Tributes following death of former council leader

Tributes have been paid following the death of former Conservative leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Ian Hudspeth OBE.

A statement released by the authority said Councillor Hudspeth had died "peacefully" at his home in Bladon where he lived with his wife and daughter.

The present leader of the council, Liberal Democrat Liz Leffman, said: "Ian Hudspeth had the rare gift of being able to combine being a serious politician while being affable and approachable to all."

After serving on Bladon Parish and West Oxfordshire District councils, he joined Oxfordshire County Council in 2005 and became its leader from 2012 until 2021. He was awarded an OBE in 2021 for services to local government.

Paying tribute, Councillor Leffman who succeeded Councillor Hudspeth in 2021 said: "He served as leader during some tough times for the authority but represented the county with distinction while capably fulfilling all of the responsibilities that come with the role.

"His name is guaranteed high prominence in the history of Oxfordshire's politics and the county council.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family."

Lorna Baxter, deputy chief executive, who served with Councillor Hudspeth throughout his time at the council described him as "a kind-hearted figure with a strong sense of humour".

She added: "Ian Hudspeth was a hard-working leader who had the trust and support of his staff.

"It came naturally to him to walk around county hall and speak to everyone about all subjects whether it be complex issues facing the council or the football results from the previous weekend."

Others paying tribute include, Layla Moran, posting on X, the Lib Dem MP for Oxford West & Abingdon, external said: "We crossed swords many a time but he was a good man and diligent public servant. My thoughts with his loved ones and friends at this difficult time."

Also, posting on X, Labour and Co-op MP for Oxford East, external, Anneliese Dodds said: "We may have been from different political traditions but I know he always wanted the best for Oxfordshire. My sympathies are with his family and friends."

In a statement, the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Glasgow BEM, said: "His dedication to serving the people of our county was exemplary".

"As His Majesty's representative for Oxfordshire, I extend my sincere condolences to Ian's family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time," she added.

The authority said tributes would be paid to Councillor Hudspeth at the next meeting of the county council in the New Year.

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