A FORMER Mayor of Worcester is trying to make a dramatic return to city politics - two years after calling it a day.

David Tibbutt has been unveiled as the Conservative candidate in Battenhall in one of Worcester's most crucial local election battles this May.

This newspaper can also reveal how former city parliamentary candidate Louis Stephen is taking him on for the Green Party, which is widely expected to be the main rival.

Dr Tibbutt sat on Worcester City Council for a decade until 2014 and served in the Conservative cabinet as well as being the mayor in 2011/12.

Since retiring from the Guildhall he's chaired Worcester Conservative Association, with the nomination of a high-profile figure a sign the Tories expect a tough contest in Battenhall.

In May current Battenhall Councillor Robert Rowden, a Tory veteran who led the city council for two years back in 2000 is stepping down, leaving a vacant nomination.

Dr Tibbutt, a former consultant physician and cardiologist at the former Worcester Royal Infirmary for over 20 years until 1998, said he will relish the challenge.

"Having recently completed my term as chairman of the association and with Robert Rowden standing down as one of our Battenhall councillors, I was asked by a number of people to consider putting myself forward as a candidate again," he said.

"I think they wanted someone who lives in the area and who really understands the issues locally, such as the protection of Middle Battenhall Farm.

"I enjoyed my time as a councillor and feel I still have much to offer the city and the council."

He added: "I've have been out across the ward over many weeks speaking to people and was very pleasantly surprised how people have supported my potential return."

The last time he stood in the ward back in 2010 he was re-elected with a thumping 791 majority, but the picture is much different now.

When Battenhall was last contested in 2014 it became a two-horse race between the Conservatives and Greens, with Tory Steve Mackay defeating Mr Stephen by just 112 votes.

Mr Stephen said: "We only need a three per cent swing - it's highly marginal and everyone in the ward will know this will be a fiercely fought battle.

"We are hopeful but you can never be too optimistic, as we've been down this road many times.

"But we are putting everything into this - we are always knocking on doors talking to people, it sounds like a terrible cliche but it's true."

Labour and UKIP are also set to contest the seat on Thursday, May 5, with the nominations due to close next week.