Voters in Warndon will have a privilege, as they walk into their polling station, that other voters in Worcester won’t have - two votes to cast.

Warndon is a two-candidate ward, and both seats are up for grabs in this election. The sitting councillor, Labour’s Jo Hodges’ term of office has come to an end after four years. The other seat is vacant because Councillor Elaine Williams resigned after two years, and did so in order that the by-election for her seat could be run at the same time.

Labour will be counting on winning both seats if they are to have any hope of taking control of the council overall - and recent electoral history suggests that they can be hopeful, but shouldn’t take it for granted.

In 2014 Councillor Hodges won her seat with 40 per cent of the vote, but the 447 ballots cast for her was only 40 more than the UKIP candidate. That was, of course, at a time when UKIP’s fortunes nationally were somewhat higher than they are now

In the ‘other’ seat, it’s been a story of total Labour domination. In 2012 Alan Amos won the seat for the party with an astonishing 74 per cent of the vote in a three horse race with the Greens and Conservatives, before he crossed the floor of the council chamber to join the Conservatives in 2015.

Councillor Williams took the seat in 2016 again handsomely, with 53 per cent of the vote.

Her nearest challenger was again the UKIP candidate, Owen Cleary, who is trying his luck again next year.

While there are eight candidates, it’s two each from Labour, Conservatives, UKIP and Green, the parties who are contesting every ward in this round of elections.

The candidate with the most votes will serve a full four year term, while the candidate with the second highest vote will be deemed to have won the by-election and will serve two years until 2020.

Chris Roberts - UKIP

I am from Warndon. I went to Warndon Infant & Junior School (now Oasis Academy), and I was a paperboy for Martin’s and a Saturday boy at Giles’.

Now I’m a little bit older! How refreshing would it be to have a councillor representing Warndon who is from Warndon and knows Warndon?

The last 40 years has proven there is very little difference between the Labour Party and the Tories. When City councillors switch party allegiance so freely can you not smell a rat? UKIP is the ONLY party that represents the working man and woman (the Labour Party lost that claim under Blair).

UKIP also operates a zero-tolerance policy on discriminatory behaviour e.g. we ban anti-Semites.

I am committed to opposing tax increases, council waste and frivolous vanity projects.

UKIP councillors aren’t whipped to toe the party line, we vote freely in the best interests of our constituents.

Ceri Stalker - Labour

I am really proud to be the county councillor for Gorse Hill & Warndon and I would like to ask residents to vote for me to represent them on the City Council too.

I feel that by being able to be in both roles will enable me to offer a more seamless and consistent approach to managing and responding to any worries you may have.

My discretionary county council budget has been spent across the year to help fund many local projects that are vital to the wellbeing and cohesion of the community; many of these projects are delivered via Worcester Community Trust.

I have worked with you in response to your concerns many of which have involved repairing potholes, cutting trees back and repairing footways.I really hope to be your representative on the city council and will always do my best to fight for what’s right for Warndon.

Peter Nielsen - Green

I have lived in Worcester since 1973 and represented the area on the council in the past, at one time as Chairman of Gorse Hill Primary School governors.

Now retired, I worked at Kay’s in computing and lectured at the Tech.

The Green Party opposes the discredited policy of austerity which the Tories have inflicted on us and our council for over seven years.

The Green Party seeks to improve the quality of people’s lives, young and old, by protecting services under Tory attack.

We want clean air, better bus and road services, homes for the young and care for the elderly.

Help us make Worcester a greater and greener place to live.

Pam Clayton - Conservative

I am a retired assistant headteacher, having worked in Worcester schools for 40 years.

I was previously City Councillor for Warndon from 2004 to 2008 so it is a role I know well.

I have demonstrated my commitment to public service as I have also served as a parish councillor, school governor, a mentor of young people and chairman of Warndon Community Centre.

I have also served as chairman of Worcester Crime Prevention Panel, a member of a Police Consultative Committee, trustee of a domestic violence unit, founder member and trustee of Worcester Community Trust, and chairman of East Worcester’s Child and Family Forum.

Owen Cleary - UKIP

For years I’ve represented Warndon as the UKIP Warndon spokesperson.

I believe that the residents and voters need a new political party to represent them, to which I will step up and be that person.

Again, for years, Labour have been voted in but how has that benefitted Warndon?

Have you seen crime reduce? Have you seen anti-social behaviour decrease? No.

Labour wards failing local residents and so residents and voters need to re-evaluate who to vote for and if they will have a positive impact on the ward.

If elected, I will work closely with the Council and Police to ensure that the ward is represented properly and a ward that residents want to be a part of.

Labour fails everyone, the Tories fail, UKIP should be given the chance to show the residents that we aim to and will provide what the people want.

Jo Hodges - Labour

I’ve lived in Worcester all my life and have a husband Dave and 3 grown up children and 8 grandchildren.

I’ve been a City Councillor in Warndon for 18 years and know many of the Warndon residents personally.

I take a great interest in Warndon activities and am a trustee of the Worcester Community Trust which manages the Shap Drive Community Centre and the Building Block Training Centre.

I also chair the Warndon Forum meetings which is where many organisations working in Warndon and local residents come together to discuss how to get the best for our residents.

I am a retired local high school teacher and am often greeted by former pupils when I’m out and about in the area.

I was also a Magistrate on the Worcester bench for 34 years until I retired this year. If I’m re-elected, I’ll continue to work hard for all the people of Warndon.

Francis Lankester - Conservative

I was a teacher for over 30 years, doing supply teaching in all Worcester’s secondary schools, including the Warndon area.

I have been a city councillor before and played a leading part in delivering the improvements to Warndon, Tolladine and KGV community centres and sports pitches.

Thousands of people have enjoyed these facilities made by a Conservative city council. I will always support them as a councillor.

Along with so many people, I always enjoyed the November fireworks display. When it was cancelled I worked with a local group to bring it back and have been a steward on the night for the two years we have organised this fantastic event.

I promise to work hard dealing with local issues, especially making Warndon and the whole of our city cleaner and safer.

I will also report back to you regularly with a newsletter to ensure residents’ concerns are taken seriously.

Alison Morgan - Green

I live in Worcester with my two children and work as a teaching assistant in a local special secondary school.

I have previously worked in chemistry researching environmentally friendly products for the paper industry.

I joined the Green Party because of its commitment to fairness and sustainability.

Worcester is a great place to live but a major issue is getting around the city.

Cycling and walking need to be prioritised and the cuts to bus services reversed. I also believe decisions about Worcester should be made at a local level by the city council with local businesses and jobs being supported to help keep the local economy healthy.

The Green Party is the only party addressing these important issues.