FORMER Prime Minister David Cameron has paid tribute to the former Oxfordshire County Council leader Keith Mitchell, who died earlier this week.

In a tweet to his 1.8 million followers, Mr Cameron referenced the Oxford Mail’s article on Mr Mitchell.

Former Witney MP Mr Cameron said: “Keith was a brilliant man and great council leader. He cared passionately about Oxfordshire and local government, leading the council with considerable skill for many years, including in coalition. He was a pleasure to work with and will be hugely missed.

“My thoughts and prayers to Keith’s family and many friends.”

Mr Mitchell served as the Conservative leader of the county council for more than a decade between 2001 and 2012.

A picture shared by the Oxford Mail earlier this week shows Mr Mitchell and Mr Cameron joined by current Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The photo, from April 2005, was at the launch for the Conservative Party’s manifesto for that year’s county council elections.

Mr Cameron was hoping to take the Witney seat at the time, while Mr Johnson was a candidate for Henley.

FROM THE ARCHIVE: Pictures of former council leader Keith Mitchell

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.”