heartfelt tributes from all political sides were paid yesterday to Ann Ducker, the leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, who has died of cancer.

Mrs Ducker, who represented Goring, died on Sunday evening aged 71 after battling pancreatic cancer.

The Conservative had led the district council twice, once in 1994 and from 2003 until her death – making her one of Oxfordshire’s longest serving council leaders.

In 2008 she stood against John Howell after the resignation of Boris Johnson as Henley MP.

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Dr Howell, who won the nomination and the seat in Parliament, said: “I have known her for many years and we had a relationship that was still characterised by a considerable amount of friendship.

“She was a very strong character and she will be sorely missed.”

Mrs Ducker was first elected to SODC in 1983 and was re-elected seven times, serving as both chairwoman and leader of the Conservative group.

Under her leadership the Conservative group increased its majority over the years and has 32 out of 48 seats.

With elections due to be held next year, her group faces them without her at its helm for the first time in two decades.

Pearl Slatter, who had served as Conservative Goring councillor with her since 2003, said: “I cannot imagine what it is going to be like without her.

“I will miss her dreadfully.”

SODC chairwoman Ann Midwinter said: “I will miss her incisive contributions at meetings, her desire to achieve consensus wherever possible and her determination at all times to do her best for the people of South Oxfordshire.”

David Buckle, chief executive of SODC, said: “Ann was respected and liked by all of the staff working for both councils.

“She was such a central figure in the council for so many years that it will take us a little time to adjust to life without her.”

Matthew Barber, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Our relationship was particularly close and I always found her a great support on a personal and professional basis.

“She is a great example of someone being in politics for the right reasons, to serve the community. She was first elected when I was two years old, which puts it in context.”

Bob Price, Labour leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Her energy, clarity of purpose and warm personality have been of great importance in the last few years of Oxfordshire's development.”

Ian Hudspeth, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “She has been a champion for South Oxfordshire for many years maintaining the beautiful aspect of the district whilst allowing much needed growth in key areas to deliver affordable homes.”

A statement from Mrs Ducker’s family said she was an active tennis player and member of the Rotary Club. They added: “Ann leaves a big hole where she will be greatly missed.

“What we hope as a family is that her legacy and legend of hard work ethic of doing work for the community for greater good lives on.”

Mrs Ducker was a widow, who is survived by two daughters and two grandchildren. A date for the funeral has yet to be announced.

A new council leader will be appointed at the next SODC meeting on Thursday, October 16.

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An undated photograph on the election campaign trail with, from left, Wantage MP Ed Vaizey, then Henley MP Boris Johnson, then Oxfordshire County Council leader Keith Mitchell and council candidate Marcus Harris, top; in 1998 after revealing that she had suffered breast cancer, second top; in 1993 dressing up in her daughter’s rave-style leather gear and promoting recycling
in 1992, above

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