WYRE Forest District Council chairman Frank Baillie said members would become troops in the battle ahead for Dr Richard Taylor.

The Health Concern dominated authority is delighted at the prospect at working with the retired medic rather than follow the doctor's orders.

Mr Baillie said Dr Taylor had the full backing of the council and the credentials to become a top-notch MP.

He said: "We have absolute confidence in Dr Taylor.

"He is a highly intelligent, highly qualified person. He will have sensible opinions on behalf of the people about any subject."

He added: "The district council has passed a range of motions supporting him in a range of ways and we shall carry on doing so."

Relations between the council and former Wyre Forest MP David Lock were severely strained over opposing stances on the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital.

They also clashed over progress on the multi-million pound Kidderminster Town Centre development and the provision of car parking and CCTV for the town centre.

Mr Baillie said: "Relations were strained because we had an opposite point of view but we are now effectively the troops for Richard Taylor.

"We are waiting for results from the Worcestershire County Council elections later this morning and all being well we will increase the number of troops that are behind him."

However, that was for the future. Basking in the glory of victory the Health Concern councillor of two years standing was still trying to take it all in.

He said: "This is way beyond our expectations. Dr Taylor has in fact got a majority over all the other candidates

"When I was elected two years ago I couldn't foresee this. Like Martin Bell I am an accidental councillor - this is just absolutely fantastic."