Worcester elections 2024: St Stephen ward candidates

Seven candidates are competing for two seats on Worcester City Council at next week’s election.

In May 2021, the Green Party’s Neil Laurenson retained his seat with a majority of 653 over Tory Sam Ness.

Last year, Marjory Bisset delivered an even bigger 749 majority ahead of the Conservatives’ Tom Wisniewski, to put both St Stephen seats in the hands of the Greens.

But she has since stepped back from local politics after a year as joint leader of the city council, so we’ll have at least one new face in the Guildhall.

Ruth Coates - Labour

Ruth Coates (Image: Ruth Coates)

For most of my working life, I have worked in the charity sector. I am currently the deputy director of operations at a mental health charity. Our services are experiencing huge demand in the wake of the pandemic, with sharp rises in mental health issues in children, young people and adults. 

I volunteer with the ‘Worcester Welcomes’ group, supporting all refugees and asylum seekers who arrive in Worcester, including from Ukraine. We have more than 60 families offering accommodation or support, proof that Worcester genuinely is a welcoming place.

Residents in St Stephen enjoy being close to the best of our parks and open spaces. I am keen that everyone is able to access our parks and leisure centres and lead active and healthy lives.

Worcester’s future has to be about securing good jobs, affordable housing and taking measures to safeguard the environment and biodiversity, including tackling the traffic congestion that blights the area.

Neil Laurenson - Green Party

Neil Laurenson (Image: Neil Laurenson)

I have been a councillor for the past 12 years in St Stephen ward and it has been a huge privilege. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting hundreds of residents. I am proud to have helped to introduce the Living Wage and the city council’s Sustainability Strategy.

I persuaded the council to secure funding for the planting of thousands of trees in Perdiswell Park, and I have campaigned against cuts to local services. In St Stephen ward, I have worked with officers to get street lights repaired, pavements resurfaced, bins installed, and wildflowers planted. I have also organised several litter-picks in the area.

I work full-time for a housing organisation, and I recently graduated from the University of Worcester with a master’s degree in English. I have lived in Worcester for 17 years with my wife, Rachel, and we have two children.

Alex Mace - Green Party

Alex Mace (Image: Alex Mace)

I have lived in St Stephen for 10 years with Katie and our two children. I work for a small software company. I have really enjoyed meeting residents over the last year. As I live in the ward, your issues are my issues.

My priorities for the next four years are helping Worcester reach its target of being carbon neutral by 2030, increasing the number of people choosing to walk and cycle to get around and improving biodiversity.

I lead the St Barnabas Primary Bike Bus and campaign for safer streets around schools. As co-chair of the Worcester Canal Group, I take part in regular litter picks in the area. If voters see fit to place their trust in me, I can take what I have learnt doing this into the city council.

Marjory has set a brilliant example of how to be an effective local councillor. I will do everything I can to meet the standard that she has set.

Andrew Melville - Liberal Democrats

(no photo supplied)

I have recently moved to Worcester from London. I have been welcomed warmly to the city. We love the area and how friendly everyone has been. I have previously been a council and leader of Liberal Democrats with Hertsmere. I am passionate about our NHS and providing affordable housing. The reason I stood for election was to be a strong advocate for those residents who have been neglected by our local authority. If elected I will be a strong determined voice for our community and our beautiful city, a city I am proud to call home.

Jason Wild - Conservatives

Jason Wild (Image: Jason Wild)

Jason is local to Worcester and lives with his wife and one year old baby. With a background in the traffic infrastructure and mobility industry, Jason works for a global leader in intelligent traffic systems where work has him focussed on supporting local authorities across the UK and internationally on solutions designed to lower emissions and increase road safety.

Jason’s motivation into candidacy stems from an interest in prioritising focus on the safety, support, and availability of amenities for families as well as strengthening local communities in Worcester.

Mark Willmore - Labour

Mark Willmore (Image: Mark Willmore)

I have lived in Worcester all my life and am now raising my own family here. I work in retail and am the Trade Union representative for my workplace, supporting and advocating for those who need help and support.

Both of my teenage children enjoy sport and music and I love taking them to their various clubs and activities. For the last four years I have run two age group teams at Worcester Cricket Club and take great pride in seeing the kids grow in confidence and ability. As many parents will know, equipment, kit, lessons and coaching can be expensive. Unfortunately, the cost-of-living crisis means that access to sport and other activities is now a privilege, and the many benefits associated with them are lost to those who cannot afford it. I hope to be part of a Labour team that builds a brighter future for everyone.

Angela Wisniewska - Conservatives

Angela Wisniewska (Image: Angela Wisniewska)

Angelika was born in Poland but has lived in Worcester for the past 20 years. Qualified in law and administration, Angelika works for a local company. Both she and her husband believe St Stephen to be a lovely part of the city and a great place to bring up their young daughter.

Angelika enjoys working for charities and has been politically active for the past four years. 

If elected she would seek action on a number of issues including traffic congestion, bus services, litter and dog mess as well as improving local play area facilities. Angelika would also like to work with the county council representative to see further improvements in roads and pavements.