TRIBUTES have been paid to the former leader of Oxfordshire County Council, who died this week.

Keith Mitchell CBE served as council leader from 2001-2012 and had served in prominent roles at the council prior to this.

He represented Bloxham, Adderbury, Bodicote and the surrounding areas of north Oxfordshire at County Hall from the 1989 local elections until 2013.

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Mr Mitchell became leader of the council in 2001 when he formed a coalition administration in which his Conservatives joined forces with the Liberal Democrats.

The current leader of the county council, Ian Hudspeth, was Mr Mitchell’s successor.

He said: “Keith is a towering figure in the history of Oxfordshire County Council and was at the helm through some very significant times. He was very proud to lead the county council.

“He brought experience of the business world in to the role having previously run his own accountancy business. Keith’s public profile could be at odds with the experience of councillors and council officers who dealt with him on a day to day basis and who would testify that he was pragmatic, practical and conciliatory.

“I am sure everyone at the county council would join with me in passing on condolences to Keith’s wife. He will be missed, respected and long-remembered by staff and councillors of all political persuasions.”

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Kieron Mallon, Conservative councillor was a personal friend of Mr Mitchell.

He said: “Keith was my mentor in Politics and public service, we had a friendship going back over twenty five years and our divisions bordered each other’s. We colluded on so many projects, locally and at County Hall.

"His work ethic was second to none and he dominated local government both in Oxfordshire and in the south of England for a generation. His like will not be seen again and I will miss him”.