Oxfordshire set for election after sitting councillor dies

Margaret Crick, who served on the Abingdon Town Council and was a former mayor of the town, died on Friday, July 10.

Now, it has been announced that an election looks likely following the politician’s passing.

A public notice from Abingdon Town Council signed by town clerk Cherie Carruthers was issued today (Wednesday, August 19).

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It read: “Public notice is hereby given that due to the death of councillor Margaret Crick, a vacancy exists in the office of town councillor for Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council’s Dunmore Ward.

“The vacancy will be filled by election if, within fourteen working days of the date of this notice, any ten local government electors for the said town/parish ward submit a written request to the Returning Officer, Vale of White Horse District Council, Abbey House, Abbey Close, Abingdon, OX14 3JE.

“In computing these fourteen days mentioned above you disregard a Saturday or Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday or a bank holiday or a day appointed for Public Thanksgiving or Mourning.

“If no such request is made the vacancy will be filled by co-option by the Town Council.”

A statement on Abingdon Town Council’s website shortly following Ms Crick’s death said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of Councillor Margaret Crick, who passed away on Friday (July 10).

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“Margaret had been in poor health in recent months, but nevertheless, her passing has come as a great shock to all her friends and colleagues at the Town Council and in the wider community of Abingdon.

“Margaret was first elected to the Town Council in May 2011 and has represented the Dunmore ward continuously since then.

“During her time on the Town Council, she served on many committees, including the Environment, Amenities and Infrastructure committee, the Planning committee, and the Museum sub-committee.

“Margaret also served as Mayor of Abingdon from 2018 to 2019.

“She was also elected to the Vale of White District Council in a By-election in September 2014 and served as a District Councillor until she stood down in May 2023.

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“It is a measure of the respect that she was held in by her fellow councillors that she was elected as Chair of the Vale for four successive years from 2019 to 2023.

“Margaret was a hardworking and dedicated councillor, building up a great deal of knowledge about Abingdon, and particularly her Dunmore ward.

“She was very keen to see a cinema remain in Abingdon and was particularly pleased that the Council had recently ensured this would happen.

“Margaret was also a passionate defender of the green belt. She was generous with her time with residents, councillors and staff.

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“She brought great warmth and personality to meetings.

“She had an incisive and enquiring mind, not afraid to ask difficult questions but always tempering this with her caring and generous spirit and her great sense of humour.

“Margaret leaves two sons, David and Michael. Our thoughts go out to them and her wider family at this very difficult time.

“Margaret will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.”