Worcester elections 2024: Leopard Hill candidates

Residents in the ward went to the polls twice last year - first in May for a standard election under the old system of electing the city council in two-thirds, with the Green Party’s Andrew Cross returning a sizeable 792 majority.

A by-election was also held in October following the death of long-serving Conservative councillor Andy Roberts.

Katie Collier delivered a 393-vote win for the Greens to take the seat from the Tories.

Jamsheyd Ali - Labour

Jamsheyd Ali (Image: Jamsheyd Ali)

I have lived in Worcester almost all my life and am bringing up my young family here. For the past 15 years, I have worked at Tesco in Warndon Villages and have come to know many local people and their families. I feel very much part of the local community and would love nothing more than to have the chance to represent you on Worcester City Council.

After 14 years of Tory failure and chaos, there’s so much that needs fixing. Labour councillors in Worcester are committed to investing in skills training and securing better jobs, supporting active travel and continuing the urgent work to protect the environment and biodiversity. 

At a very local level, making sure residents in Leopard Hill ward are well served, and local businesses and services like the Lyppard Hub are protected, would be top priorities for me.

Jithin Bittu - Conservatives

Jithin Bittu (Image: Jithin Bittu)

Jithin is an accomplished manager with a passion for driving innovation and sustainability. Being very experienced in continuous improvement processes, he will look to ensure that the city council will be delivering value for money.

Through roles in various local companies, he has the skills to look at the way business is conducted by the council and discover where efficiencies can be found. 

If elected, Jithin wants to enhance those skills for the benefit of the Leopard Hill ward he will be serving. His vision centres on two initiatives: creating children's activity areas and promoting multicultural involvement programs. With a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, he is eager to serve our community and make a lasting impact.

Katie Collier - Green Party

Katie Collier (Image: Katie Collier)

I live in Warndon Villages with my husband and two young children. My background is in education: I completed my teacher training at the University of Worcester in 2006 and then began a career as a primary school teacher at a school near Pershore. I have since worked as a deputy headteacher at a school in London, before moving back to Worcester to complete an MA on the importance of play opportunities for children. 

I’m committed, hardworking and passionate about listening to and acting on the concerns of the residents of Leopard Hill. I would love to see improved cycle routes and more frequent and affordable bus services in Worcester, which will help reduce car use.

I am passionate about ensuring that we are building a positive world for our children and future generations where improved health outcomes, tackling inequality of wealth and sustainable, happy communities are prioritised.

Andrew Cross - Green Party

Andrew Cross (Image: Submitted)

My wife and I moved to Warndon Villages 23 years ago. Our two daughters, now young adults, attended local schools.

In May last year, after just over four years on Wardon Parish Council, I was elected to our city council. In October, local residents chose me to serve as their county councillor and for Katie to join me as city councillor for Warndon Parish South (now Leopard Hill ward). It is humbling that so many people put their trust in us as we build a strong local team.

Working with officers and all our local councillors, at all levels, we are working for the benefit of our communities, the environment and for the sustainable economic prosperity of Worcester. We are helping to create and shape the plans to protect our woods, green spaces and ponds and to manage council finances responsibly.

I strongly believe that local councillors must work together, listening to residents and putting local peoples’ needs and interests first.

Sunil Desayrah - Labour

Sunil Desayrah (Image: Sunil Desayrah)

I am one of the Labour candidates for Leopard Hill. I am retired and give my time to a variety of voluntary groups across the city including Foodbank, Worcestershire Royal Hospital, community transport, an asylum seeker and refugee group and also as a Friend of Foregate Street Station.

I am standing because, along with my enthusiasm to support our local community, I also have a background in finance and project management which are skills that are needed to navigate the city through difficult times.

Successive Conservative governments have cut core funding to Worcester completely. More than ever, we need a council that is unified, focused on improving our city whilst ensuring that residents are not left behind.

As your Labour councillor I would be diligent in helping resolve your issues and concerns and pro-active in improving the local area, always seeking your views.

Paul Jagger - Liberal Democrats

Paul Jagger (Image: Paul Jagger)

Paul Jagger is standing for Leopard Hill in the local elections of 2024. A dedicated resident of Worcester since 2001, Paul’s roots in community engagement run deep. Having honed his skills studying film at Parsons School of Design in New York, he brings a fresh perspective and a knack for problem-solving to the table. As a seasoned film editor known for his hands-on approach, Paul is ready to translate his practical thinking into tangible improvements for Leopard Hill.

If elected, Paul prioritises enhancing local infrastructure by campaigning for improvements in the electric charging point network and on-demand bus services. He is committed to fostering green spaces and addressing environmental challenges like ash dieback planning.

Rejecting extreme political ideologies, Paul embraces a balanced and pragmatic approach to local council, striving to be a voice of reason. He also prioritises fiscal responsibility to ensure taxpayer funds are managed efficiently and transparently.

Tony Lippett - Conservatives

Tony started work in Worcester at Worcester Royal Porcelain. While there he decided that this was the place for him, and so he chose to settle here, some 40 years ago. He has been heavily involved with Worcester Rugby Club, with his son now picking up the baton, coaching, and his grandson playing for the mini juniors.

Tony walks his dog, Honey, up on Leopard Hill daily and feels immensely proud as he looks out over the city that he is delighted to call his home.

Tony wants to ensure that Warndon Villages maintains its green spaces and being a foster carer for the past 14 years, he is very aware of the need to retain those safe places for the children to play.

Bart Ricketts - Liberal Democrats

Bart Ricketts (Image: Bart Ricketts)

Bart was born in Worcester, and moved away to study and work but has now returned to stand.

With family throughout the county, Bart has always kept in touch with local politics and issues. 

Bart graduated from Kingston University where he was also elected to the Students’ Union. He continued his interest in local politics and went on to be elected a London councillor, a position he held for eight years including being appointed deputy mayor.

He gained a great reputation for his ability to engage and campaign with local people and take up their issues. He remains a supporter of many environmental charities and works with a number of organisations helping people with disabilities including mental illness to help prevent stigma.

Bart is passionate about recycling and reuse. He worked with MP Ed Davey when he lived in London and is now campaigning for the party’s green policies in Worcestershire.