TRIBUTES are being paid to the former leader and chairman of Hampshire County Council, Ken Thornber CBE who has died following an illness.

Honorary Alderman Ken Thornber served on Hampshire County Council (HCC) for 40 years, after being first elected in 1977 for Hythe, then in 1981 for Dibden and Hythe, and from 1989 for Brockenhurst. He was leader of HCC from 1999 to 2013, and chairman in 2013/14.

Councillor Roy Perry, current leader of HCC, said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ken Thornber. He was a hugely respected politician, both locally and nationally, and a public servant in the truest sense of the word.

“He not only represented the people of Hampshire, but was also a voice for local government on the national stage, with roles as chairman of the County Councils Network, as well as chairman of the Local Government Association’s resources committee. He also championed new ways of working in local government, introducing a voluntary partnership to bring public services in the county together.

"One of his many personal innovations was the commission he set up in Hampshire on adult social care which became a landmark for national policy development.

"On behalf of my colleagues at the county council, we send our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his family at this very sad time.”

In 1993 Cllr Thornber was awarded the CBE for services to politics and the public, and his lifelong and distinguished contribution to the public life in Hampshire was again recognised in 2005, when he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Winchester University in the context of health and policing, as well as his work with HCC.

He had also been a key figure in other organisations across the county, including Hampshire Police Authority and the New Forest National Park Authority.

Married, and with four sons, Cllr Thornber had lived in the New Forest for more than 50 years.