The wife of former Oxford city councillor Roy Manley has paid tribute to his dedication to helping others.

The former Labour councillor, who lived with wife Deborah at Plantation Road, Oxford, died on Monday, aged 69, as reported in later editions of yesterday's Oxford Mail.

Mrs Manley said: "He worked all his life in the education and voluntary sector and retired as deputy director of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations. "I admired his strong sense of social justice and his attempt to do something about the things he felt so strongly about."

"He was so much more than a politician. He was very concerned to make things happen and happen correctly."

John Tanner, leader of the city council, added his tribute. He said: "He has been a life-long campaigner for Labour. He was a committed internationalist and bought common sense and tolerance to the city council when he was a councillor. "It is a great shock and loss to the city and the Labour Party."

Mr Manley was elected to the St Clements ward in 1994 and stepped down last year.

During his period of office he was vice-chairman of the public affairs committee.

He also stood as a candidate for the first elections to the European parliament.

Mr Manley was one of the instigators behind the twinning of Oxfordshire and Perm, Russia, as chairman of Oxfordshire Council for Voluntary Action - the umbrella group for voluntary groups across the county. The link was set up between the two cities and also between voluntary associations in the Oxfordshire and Perm areas.

Mr Manley was also former chairman of the Oxford United Nations Association and was involved in the UK Overseas Students Association for a number of years.

He leaves behind two children.

Story date: Friday 23 April

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