A HOST of new faces will take their seats at the Guildhall when Worcester City Council holds its annual meeting and mayor making on May 15
The Conservatives will welcome Stuart Denlegh Maxwell and Mohammed Altaf to their side of the chamber while Labour welcome Ceri Stalker and Tom Collins.
Green Party councillor Louise Griffiths ousted current city Mayor Steve Mackay in Battenhall and told the Observer it was a ‘brilliant’ feeling to have secured the seat for her party.
“99 votes in it, I knew it was going to be narrow, I thought it would be even narrower than it was but the participation from voters has been fantastic, we’ve had a 56 per cent turnout which is unheard of in local elections,” she said.
“Louis and I have been out at least once a week if not twice, three times a week. We send out monthly newsletters, communications and us on their doorstep. The people of Battenhall know our faces, our addresses and our e-mail addresses and know we are there.
“People see me out and about constantly and I think that has really impacted during the campaign.”
Newly-elected Tom Collins was delighted to retain the Rainbow Hill seat for Labour which had been held for the party for the last 18 years by former Mayor of Worcester Paul Denham.
“Lots of people have contacted me even during the campaign so I am keen to represent them on all issues be it housing or anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“We have a real problem at the moment with bus services being cut and prices going up and that’s leaving people in our ward genuinely stranded in their homes and I think it’s not acceptable and shouldn’t be happening in our city.
He admitted the former Mayor would be a hard act to follow but hoped to continue much of the work carried out by the respected former Labour councillor.
“I think Paul’s character shines through, he’s a man of incredible integrity and energy, he’s creative and cares about the people he serves,” he said.
“If I can carry on in that spirit I will be very pleased.”
