FORMER Lord Mayor of Oxford Jean Fooks has died.

The popular ex-city and county councillor, who hung up her mayoral robes in May, passed away on Tuesday.

Mrs Fooks spent more than 25 years serving her community as a county councillor for Wolvercote and Summertown, as well as representing Summertown on Oxford City Council.

On Monday, she was awarded the title of honorary alderwoman of Oxford City Council in recognition of her outstanding service.

She was Liberal Democrat group leader from 2012 to 2016 and was first elected to the city's local authority in 1992.

On many occasions, Mrs Fooks turned down the honour of being appointed Lord Mayor because she was too busy helping residents, but finally accepted the role in May 2017.

Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats paid tribute in a Twitter post yesterday evening, writing: "We’re very sad to announce that former Councillor and Alderman of Oxford, Jean Fooks, passed away yesterday.

"Jean was a tireless champion of the communities she served, and we join her many friends in sending our profound condolences to her family.

"Jean will be hugely missed."

Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said: "Devastated to hear of the passing of Jean Fooks. A true liberal who always put her constituents first.

"My thoughts are with her family. This is a massive loss to our Liberal Democrat family."

Oxford City councillor for Summertown Andrew Gant, who served alongside Mrs Fooks, tweeted: "This is so sad. Jean was a force of nature.

"Her legacy is all around us in Oxford, in all the places where she made a difference, but mostly in the number of people who say Jean helped them.

"She set an inspiring example, and I am proud to have been her ward colleague."

Meanwhile, Labour city councillor for Marston, Mary Clarkson, said: "Terribly sad news about Jean Fooks - a very able & committed councillor and a powerful adversary, which was not always a bad thing."