FORMER leader of South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) Ann Ducker has been nominated for a posthumous award — being made an Honorary Alderman.

Mrs Ducker, pictured, who died in September, was first elected to SODC in 1983 and was re-elected seven times.

In 1995 she became leader of the Conservative group on the council and became leader of the authority in 2003.

She was awarded an MBE in 2010 for her services to local government.

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John Cotton, who has replaced Mrs Ducker as council leader, suggested Mrs Ducker should be made an Honorary Alderman, an award given to long-serving councillors.

Mr Cotton said: “Ann had told me informally that it was her intention to stand down at the 2015 local council election, and I’m sure she would have been made an honorary alderman at that point.

“It’s an honour that is usually given to councillors who have served for more than 20 years.

“Ann was respected across the political spectrum so I thought this would be a fitting permanent recognition of her contribution.”

Mr Cotton said Mrs Ducker’s family has welcomed the move.

He added: “A motion will be put forward at the council meeting at 10am on Thursday and I’m sure it will be supported by councillors. It’s quite unusual to do this posthumously.”

The motion will say: “In accordance with section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, council admits Mrs Ann Ducker, MBE as an Honorary Alderman of South Oxfordshire District Council in recognition of the eminent services that she rendered to the council and the local community for many years.”

The meeting will be held at the council offices in Crowmarsh, near Wallingford.

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