FOUR more Conservative Councillors have announced they will not be standing at the May elections this year.

Councillors Chris Dell, Phillip Grove, Rebecca Massey and Paul Tuthill, who are all part of the ruling Conservative bloc of Malvern Hills District Council, will not be standing on May 2.

Councillor Tuthill, who is a sitting County Councillor, has not been deselected by chose not to stand after not sitting as a District councillor for the last two years.

He said: “I have not been deselected, rather I chose not to stand so I can focus more on being a county councillor.

“Though I am not a District councillor I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues at County level.”

Cllr Dell, who has represented Lindridge since winning a by-election in 2014. He was re-elected unopposed in 2015.

During his five years as a District Councillor, he was a member of the Northern Area Planning Committee and also chaired the Standards Committee and the Licensing Committee.

Cllr Dell said “It has been a privilege to represent residents in the Lindridge Ward and it is particularly rewarding that I was able to help a number of constituents over the years.

“Inevitably there have been disappointments, but that is part and parcel of being a councillor.

“I was a Parish Councillor for nine years before I was asked to stand for the District Council, but for the time being I have decided not to seek a return to that role.”

Councillor David Chambers, leader of Malvern Hill District Council, added “Chris has certainly made his presence felt and frankly it won’t be the same without him.

“I would like to place on record my thanks for the encouragement he gave me in my early years as a District Councillor, particularly when he supported my nomination for the position of Deputy Leader.”

Cllr Massey said: “I was not deselected, rather, after careful consideration I have decided not to stand as my children have many after school sporting and academic activities, which coincide with the earlier meeting times that have incremented over the last term.

“My time will now be prioritised to supporting their needs and developing their talents.”

Cllr Grove was unavailable for comment.