Former Councillor Val Smith

Val stood down as a county councillor in September 2014 having served the Leys and Lye division since 2005. She was the wife of Oxford East MP Andrew Smith and had been a city councillor for many years prior to becoming a county councillor.

Councillor Rodney Rose, the Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Val was an articulate and hard-working councillor who rolled up her sleeves and served her electors with distinction for several decades – whether at the city or county council.

“She was held in great respect across the political divide and commanded respect among officers and councillors alike. There is great sadness at her passing.”

Councillor Liz Brighouse, the leader of the opposition Labour group at the county council, said: “Val was a wonderful, trusted colleague and friend for many years. She was a councillor who was right at the heart of her community on a daily basis. Indeed she was the personification of what a good local councillor should be.

“Our thoughts are very much with her husband Andrew Smith and her family at this time.”