THE Green Party in Malvern has announced its candidates for this year’s May elections.

Cllrs Martin Allen and Natalie McVey have been chosen to stand for Croome and Malvern Trinity respectively after long-time councillor John Raine, the party’s co-chair, decided not to seek re-election.

Cllr Raine said: “After eight years as County Councillor for Malvern Trinity Division I feel that it is time to ‘hand the baton on’ and I am delighted that my colleague District Councillor in Malvern West Ward, Natalie McVey, has agreed to succeed me as our candidate.

"Natalie and I have been working closely together for the benefit of residents since she was elected four years ago.

“She is a co-founder of Malvern Against Homelessness and has been instrumental in the opening of a day shelter for rough sleepers in Malvern. If elected, I know that she will work extremely hard for the whole Community.”

In the Croome division, the Green Party’s candidate will be Martin Allen. Of Cllr Allen, Cllr Raine said: “He is very well-known within the Croome area.

"As a district councillor for Upton and Hanley ward, and a Kempsey Parish councillor, he has long been very much engaged with the local community.

"This past year he has been at the forefront of providing support through both the Coronavirus pandemic and in response to the floods that have yet again hit the area this past winter.”

Cllr Raine said the party’s campaign for the County Council elections will highlight the importance of the County Council adopting a stronger focus on climate action, active travel and initiatives to ensure that all residents live in safe and healthy environments.

He said: “During the last four years, Green Party Councillors have provided leadership in the District Council’s actions on the climate emergency, and much change has been achieved.

“It is imperative that Worcestershire County Council treat the climate emergency with the urgency required and play a much stronger leadership role in reducing Worcestershire’s carbon footprint.

"Green County Councillors will ensure that this happens. We are fortunate to have two highly experienced and committed candidates in Natalie and Martin, who are both ready and willing to dedicate themselves to the needs of our local residents.”

This year’s council elections are on May 6. For more election candidate previews, go to malverngazette.co.uk