TRIBUTES have been paid to a community champion and long-serving councillor from Yate who has died at the age of 72. 

Ruth Davis was a prominent local councillor representing the Yate area for more than three decades and was also leader of South Gloucestershire Council. 

Ruth died following a short illness, according to her family, who announced the news over the weekend.

She has been described by her council colleagues as "dedicated", "determined" and who spent her life devoted to helping others. 

Ruth entered local politics during the campaign to save Yate Common from development in 1988. 

She was pivotal in obtaining a last-minute High Court injunction saving the large open space for future generations.

She was first elected in 1991 to North Avon District Council and was later a leading force in creating South Gloucestershire Council in 1996. 

Ruth represented the Yate central ward and was leader of South Gloucestershire Council between 2005 and 2007, and then later chair in 2021/22. 

She also led the Liberal Democrat Group for 13 years and supported a strong theme of partnership working during her time as a councillor.

Gazette Series: Ruth Davis was recently awarded the title of Honorary Alderman in July this year Ruth Davis was recently awarded the title of Honorary Alderman in July this year (Image: South Gloucestershire Council)

In July, she was awarded the title of Honorary Alderman in recognition of her outstanding service.

Ruth combined her community activism alongside a career in the insurance industry. 

She leaves behind husband Tony, sons Steve and John and grandchildren.

"Ruth served her community with energy and passion" 

SGC council leader Claire Young (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) said: "Ruth was dedicated to public service and a constant community campaigner. 

"Ruth served her community with energy and passion as a volunteer, councillor and council leader. She was a colleague, a mentor but more importantly a friend. 

"She was always available to give advice, reassurance or even just to listen. 

"We all now have a Ruth-shaped hole in our lives. She will be greatly missed."

Gazette Series: Ruth Davis with her husband TonyRuth Davis with her husband Tony (Image: RichMcD)

Former MP Steve Webb who served from 1997 until 2015 said: "It was my privilege to work alongside Ruth for more than two decades and she will be sorely missed by friends, family and colleagues. 

"I was always impressed by Ruth's no-nonsense professionalism, expert knowledge and determination to get things done, and I always valued her wise counsel. 

"If you were involved in a local campaign you always wanted Ruth on your side. 

"But as well as high-profile work in the public eye, Ruth spent countless hours behind the scenes getting people organised and making things happen for the people of Yate. 

"Her loss leaves a huge gap and we send our sincere condolences to her husband Tony and their sons and wider family." 

Gazette Series: Ruth Davis (middle) along with colleagues at Yate CommonRuth Davis (middle) along with colleagues at Yate Common (Image: RichMcD)

"While we have lost a political opponent, we have also lost a friend"

SGC co-leader Ian Boulton (Labour, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield) said: "Ruth epitomised the way we have long tried to work in South Gloucestershire as someone who worked for the benefit of our community regardless of any political differences. 

"She encouraged, supported and provided respected advice to many of us and, while we have lost a political opponent, we have also lost a friend. 

"The Labour Group sends our condolences to all who loved and will miss Ruth."

Leader of the Conservative group, Sam Bromiley said: "I'm very sorry to hear of the death of Ruth. 

"She was a very able and hard working councillor and former leader of the council, and was respected by colleagues from all parties and by members of the wider community. 

"Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time."