UNTIL last year, the city’s Warndon ward had been, a few uncomfortable moments aside, a happy hunting ground for Labour but last year’s shock fine margin loss to the Conservatives means it is hard to predict what will happen this May.

Labour had fared very well in the ward, and was expected to keep hold of the seat last time out, until former UKIP man Owen Cleary, who had previously finished second but still 265 votes behind Labour and sixth in contests as a candidate for the Eurosceptics, snatched the seat away for the Conservatives in the narrowest of victories defeating sitting councillor Ceri Stalker by just 12 votes.

It was a nightmare day for Labour in which the party also lost the corresponding, and long-time stronghold, county council seat to the Tories in another shock win.

For many years the ward had been home to two-time city mayor Jo Hodges but she has now called time on a 25-year stint at the Guildhall and will not be standing for re-election which means Labour has put forward a new candidate.

Jill Desayrah is standing for Labour on May 5 and will be up against Worcester Conservative Association chair Chris Rimell, who has previously stood unsuccessfully in Rainbow Hill and St John’s, with Sue Avery representing the Greens and Susan Carpenter standing for the Liberal Democrats.

Both parties finished a distant third and fourth last time out in a contest that saw just under 22 per cent of the electorate in Warndon turn out – the lowest of the day by far and not much higher than the 2018 contest.

Green candidate Sue Avery has previously finished third in the Arboretum and Gorse Hill wards and Susan Carpenter finished fourth for the Lib Dems in Rainbow Hill last year.

Last year’s results shows that the Conservatives can pull off a win here and Warndon, which was once the scene of several victories for Labour with the party successfully holding both seats in the two-councillor ward, could gain another Tory councillor if last year’s big upset is repeated.

Worcester News:

SUE AVERY (GREEN)

“I have lived in Worcester for 11 years and I also work here.

“Some of the issues that I feel need to be tackled are decent, affordable housing including for people who rent their homes, supporting active travel so that we can reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and improve people’s health, preserving green spaces and increasing biodiversity.

“Encouraging local businesses, services and community groups makes good environmental and economic sense and will help Worcester to thrive and become more resilient.

“I feel that it’s important to ask people what they want for their area, instead of just making assumptions.

“I also believe strongly that honesty, accountability and integrity are vital in local politics.”

Worcester News:

SUE CARPENTER (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

“Sue is a retired librarian and a former county and city councillor, serving a total of 23 years.

“In that time she worked hard to represent the residents in her area, and the experience gained during this long term means she is well qualified to represent the people of Warndon effectively. 

“Her priorities are improving local facilities, particularly public transport and preserving our open spaces for enjoyment by all.

“If elected she would lobby central government for fairer funding for Worcester and challenge the Conservative administration for a fairer deal for Warndon.”

Worcester News:

JILL DESAYRAH (LABOUR)

“I have been listening to the concerns of Warndon residents and what people want are safe and clean streets, play areas for their children, good housing and secure employment. If elected, I will spend every moment of my service fighting to deliver these.

“As a volunteer at the Foodbank, AGE UK, Worcester Welcomes and Worcestershire Royal Hospital, every day I see how people are affected by Tory government neglect. I will use every tool a city councillor has to fight back on behalf of Warndon residents, demanding investment from the Guildhall as well as finding creative solutions.

“I am totally determined to make our community a healthier, wealthier and safer place. This will mean working to provide a strong and visible police presence, and supporting investment in community events that bring us together.

“During the pandemic, the people in Warndon helped keep the country running, so I will always work hard to create the community that the people of Warndon deserve.”

Worcester News:

CHRIS RIMELL (CONSERVATIVE)

“After working overseas, I have been living in Worcester for over 25 years with my wife Adele. We have a daughter who is a doctor.

“I've served as a committee member of Worcester Swimming Club and I've been a church trustee.

“I run a local business in the construction sector, and I will strive to bring investment and jobs to Warndon.

“Knocking doors has shown me that effective action is required to fight anti-social behaviour. I will be working closely with the police and holding surgeries to ensure that this scourge is reported and acted upon.

“I will hold these regular surgeries along with my Conservative colleagues, so whether the issue be housing, persistent littering, or anything else, we can find out the best way to help you.”