THE COUNTDOWN to the General Election has moved a step closer after the Conservative Party in Worcester revealed its choice to replace outgoing MP Robin Walker.
Former City Council leader, current deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and county councillor Marc Bayliss has been chosen as the prospective parliamentary candidate for the next General Election.
His election means all four of the main political parties have now selected their candidates to fight Worcester, a bell-weather seat where the successful party has gone on to the form the Government in elections dating back to the 1990s.
Coun Bayliss, who fought Wyre Forest for Labour at the 2005 poll and fought the Sheffield South East seat for the Conservative party at the 2019 election, will contest the seat against Labour’s Tom Collins, Liberal Democrat Mel Allcott and the Green Party’s Tor Pingree.
The 50-year-old was selected at a packed meeting of party members from a shortlist of three candidates.
He is no stranger to Worcester and politics having been a city councillor for 18 years until he retired from the council this May, as well as having served as a parish and county councillor in Worcester.
He was leader of the City Council for almost five years during his term of office.
Marc was born in the county and first moved to Worcester in 1995. He currently serves in the Cabinet of the County Council and as the Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner for West Mercia.
Marc lives with his partner Claire and her three children in Callow End and has two grown-up children of his own.
Speaking about his selection Marc said: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to stand for parliament in the city I love and which I’ve served for over two decades.
“Worcester means so much to me and the chance to represent its views and interests in Parliament would be a huge honour.
“I will be spending the next few weeks and months getting out and about meeting residents and listening to them and what they want from the next parliament.”
The new candidate praised Mr Walker who will step down at the next election after more than 13 years as Worcester’s MP: “Robin has served this City with dedication and I want to follow in his footsteps representing all communities across Worcester.”
Conservative Party Chairman, Lucy Hodgson, said: “I’ve known and worked with Marc for many years. I know how much he loves Worcester and wants to serve this great city.
“I am delighted he has been selected and the Party will support him to carry on the work of our current MP, Robin Walker.”
