A tribute has been paid to the councillor Robin Bradburn, following his death last weekend.

Councillor Bradburn, known for his position as chairperson for the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel, was described as a 'staunch advocate' for the panel, taking his role of scrutinising and supporting the police and crime commissioner 'very seriously'.

He was said to have an 'even-handed approach' at meetings and was respected by the police and crime commissioner and panel members.

His achievements as chairperson included pushing for the formation of auxiliary task and finish groups to bring additional scrutiny on critical issues such as violence against women and girls, road safety, anti-social behaviour, and internet fraud.

These groups conduct in-depth scrutiny into critical areas and produce reports with recommendations submitted to the police and crime panel, and then onto the police and crime commissioner for consideration and recommended adoption.

Councillor Bradburn became chairperson of the panel in June 2023, after serving as an active member since June 2018. The panel said his 'experience, passion, and drive will be deeply missed'.

Reading Borough Council’s Councillor Karen Rowland, vice chairperson of the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel, said: "The news of Robin’s passing over the weekend was deeply upsetting to myself, members of the panel and indeed everyone who has the privilege of working with him over his years of service.

"Robin truly embodied the spirit of cross-party collaboration and fairness in scrutiny during his time as chair.

"Instinctively, his first concern was always the well-being of the communities and people we all serve and in that, he fulfilled his duty as a public servant in the truest sense.

"He was a genuine champion for the job of scrutiny and his measured calm and reasonableness applied to that process will leave a significant vacancy on the panel.

"Above all, he was extremely supportive of everyone he came into contact with, irrespective of party affiliation.

"I know that will always be our overriding memory of Robin and he will be sorely missed by the panel.

"Our thoughts are with his family, close friends and colleagues at this incredibly sad time."

The role of the panel is to examine and review the police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, as well as supporting the commissioner in their work.

The panel is currently hosted by Buckinghamshire Council, a role it has held since April 1, 2023. This will continue until March 31, 2026, after which the panel will choose another local authority to carry out this function.