ELECTIONS 2017: Worcestershire County Council's Gorse Hill & Warndon division

Despite national polling pointing to an incredibly difficult few weeks ahead for Labour under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, anything other than a 'red' victory here would be remarkable.

But now voters in this County Hall division face ushering in a brand new councillor to the area for the first time.

This seat is currently held by Councillor Alan Amos, who held it for Labour in 2013 with a hefty majority of 418.

The politician has long quit Labour and is now in the Conservative ranks, with Labour activist Ceri Stalker aiming to take advantage.

What makes this seat interesting is the UKIP factor, with voters here far more likely to back the party than in other parts of Worcester.

Four years ago, long before the public voted for Brexit and with ex-leader Nigel Farage in his pomp, UKIP's James Goad came second with 619 votes.

Senior UKIP figures believe they can spring a shock here, with the party's Worcester branch chairman Owen Cleary put forward as the candidate.

That makes this seat not only a test of the current state of the Labour Party, but a reflection on where UKIP stands with the electorate.

There are five candidates here, with the Conservatives standing Phoenix Jones and Paul Snookes up for the Greens, familiar faces on the election cycle.

There is also a far-right candidate in Linda Bell, who is standing for the 'British Resistance', a breakaway faction from the British National Party.

Some of the big challenges facing Worcester's economy, like getting the long-term unemployed into work, encouraging employers to pay higher wages and upskilling people, impact severely upon areas like this.

Likewise there are concerns about the housing stock and the impact of cuts on key public services, like library opening hours and public transport.

The workload for any incoming county councillor here is big and challenging.

Labour will fully expect to hold this seat, but the end result will tell us a lot about how the party is faring - and UKIP's standing with the general public.

Linda Bell (BRITISH RESISTANCE)

Austerity, what austerity? The politicians can find billions of pounds for the EU, foreign aid, foreign wars and to house refugees, yet services are cut to save money.

To help the British people the British Resistance will cut immigration drastically.

We will spend the wasted millions each year to build nuclear power stations.

Using British designers, workers and suppliers. This will give free electricity to every British home to stop fuel poverty in Britain.

This will boost the British economy and defend it against certain parties who wish to destroy the British economy, this would be our first goal.

The billions given away each year would be spent here in Britain to raise Britain's living standards, quality of live, education and transport to the highest in the world.

Let's create a Britain where our people don't want to emigrate as life is better here.

Owen Cleary (UKIP)

Gorse Hill and Warndon needs more resources from our council.

There is plenty of money to go around; it just needs to be better spent.

The elderly need more frequent bus connections to the hospital and the town centre. Mental health workers need more resources to help vulnerable adults in the area. Locals must have first say over planning developments.

Locals and ex-servicemen must be prioritised for housing, with the process made easier for new applicants and movers.

I will fight for the things residents demand. Elect me and I will ensure the voices of Gorse Hill & Warndon are heard regularly in our council.

Phoenix Jones (CONSERVATIVE)

Having called wonderful Worcester my home for the last 15 years, I am always proud to show friends around our unique and historic Cathedral city.

My partner and I live on Astwood Road and helped set up the Gorse Hill, Warndon and Rainbow Hill Conservative branch, acting to improve local parking, traffic flow and litter issues.

Active in our local Neighbourhood Watch, I will always support initiatives which help residents feel more secure in their homes.

Professionally, my background is in further education and assessment services , so I am proud of the Conservative’s record of excellence in schools and economic growth to support opportunities for young people.

If elected I will campaign for our fair share of road and pavement improvements.

Paul Snookes (GREEN)

I have lived in Worcester for 13 years and have had two children go through school here.

I will work hard to increase the amount of affordable housing and campaign for better insulated homes to help reduce heating bills.

I will also make sure that all public spaces are free of litter and are green, pleasant and safe places for us to enjoy.

Traffic congestion is a big problem in Worcester, so we need to have better and cheaper public transport and make it safer and more enjoyable to cycle and walk. Finally, we need to create more opportunities for work, education and training in our area.

Ceri Stalker (LABOUR)

Born in Hereford and raised around the Midlands, I have lived and worked in Worcester for over 20 years first as a housing officer then in welfare benefits advice.

Over the past year or so I have met many residents, getting to know about the local issues which matter to you, and your family and friends.

If elected, I will do all I can to restore bus services, stop cuts to schools’ budgets, end 15 minute visits for elderly care and invest in children’s centres and youth activities. The cuts have gone too far.

I want everyone to have a safe and clean environment in which to live and work and I promise to always have your interests foremost in my mind.