Tributes have been paid to the leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, who has died following a short illness.
Ann Ducker’s involvement in local government spanned 31 years and her achievements led to an MBE in 2010.
She became leader of the council in 2003 and led the authority into a joint working agreement with Vale of White Horse District Council, a move which eventually saw the pair share the vast majority of services.
‘Ann was respected and liked by all of the staff working for both councils,’ said chief executive David Buckle. ‘She was always fair in her dealings with staff, sometimes challenging proposals but ready to change her view if the evidence was there.’
He added: ‘I had the pleasure of working with Ann too on the national stage at the Local Government Association and District Councils’ Network. When Ann spoke everyone listened because they knew that what she would say would make perfect sense. She was never afraid to voice an opinion, however much that opinion might run contrary to the prevailing view.
‘This will be a difficult few weeks for staff and councillors as the news of Ann’s passing sinks in. 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.’
Ann Midwinter, chair of the council, described Cllr Ducker as ‘an exemplary public servant’ who always put ‘the interests of residents above party politics’.
‘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,’ she said.
