Former council leader Ian Hudspeth

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The sad news has been received that former Oxfordshire County Council leader Ian Hudspeth OBE has died peacefully at his home in Bladon near Woodstock.

Councillor Hudspeth was leader of the council from 2012 until 2021 and served in the cabinet prior to this. He succeeded Keith Mitchell and is one of only three leaders of the authority since 2001 when the cabinet system was first adopted.

Having served on both Bladon Parish Council and West Oxfordshire District Council he was first elected to Oxfordshire County Council in 2005. He lived in Bladon with his wife and daughter. He was awarded the OBE in 2021.

Lorna Baxter, Deputy Chief Executive, served with Councillor Hudspeth throughout his time at the council. She said: “Ian Hudspeth was a hard-working leader who had the trust and support of his staff. He was a kind-hearted figure with a strong sense of humour who was glad to hold conversations with officers from the most senior to the most junior. He had the valuable ability of being able to put people at their ease.

“It came naturally to him to walk around County Hall and speak to everyone about all subjects whether it be complex issues facing the council or the football results from the previous weekend.

“He will be deeply missed throughout Oxfordshire but especially so in Bladon where he was a familiar figure and was proud to serve in a village that is the burial place of Winston Churchill.”

Councillor Liz Leffman, the present leader of the council, succeeded Councillor Hudspeth in 2021. She said: “Ian Hudspeth had the rare gift of being able to combine being a serious politician while being affable and approachable to all. 

"He served as leader during some tough times for the authority but represented the county with distinction while capably fulfilling all of the responsibilities that come with the role. His name is guaranteed high prominence in the history of Oxfordshire’s politics and the county council.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and appropriate tributes will be paid to Cllr Hudspeth at the next meeting of the county council in 2026.”