JUBILANT Worcester Green Party chiefs have vowed to look ahead to next May’s City Council elections after the party’s success in Warndon Parish by-elections.
The party once again turned a former Conservative city council heartland in Worcester from blue to green with an overwhelming success in Warndon Parish South.
And the success was doubled with a conclusive victory in the Warndon Parish division for Coun Andrew Cross on Worcestershire County Council.
Coun Katie Collier became the 11th Green Party councillor at the Guildhall with victory in Warndon Parish South with 733 votes, more than double the 340 secured by Conservative candidate Janet Lippett.
Labour’s Sunil Desayrah came third with 171 votes ahead of Paul Jagger for the Liberal Democrats and Paul Hickling of Reform UK with 92 and 29 votes respectively.
In addition to Warndon Parish South being turned from a Conservative heartland alongside St Stephen, St Peter’s and Battenhall, the Tories lost their eighth council seat in a row following the party’s drubbing in May in which it lost every seat it previously held.
On the Green victories, Katie said: “I just want to thank everyone who helped to get Andrew and I elected.
“There were so many volunteers and campaigners who helped us. I’d like to give special thanks to the people of Warndon Parish South, who’ve allowed me to fight for a fairer, greener future here in Worcester.
“I’m delighted to be able to work alongside so many other Green councillors and can’t wait to start delivering for the fantastic people of Warndon Parish South and driving the change that they so deserve,” she added.
The result of the by-election – called following the passing of long-standing Conservative councillor Andy Roberts – means Labour have 13 councillors, the Greens have 11 with seven Tories and four Liberal Democrats.
All 35 seats will be contested in the local elections to be held next May
Coun Cross now sits on both Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council after winning the County Hall seat with 1.139 votes.
He secured victory ahead of former city and county councillor Lucy Hodgson who recorded 623 votes, Sarah Murray of the Liberal Democrats who notched 579 votes while Robyn Norfolk of Labour got 239 votes.
“We’re thrilled with both results. The support we’ve received has been unbelievable, and now we’re in a position to repay that support with hard work and dedication, on both the city and county councils.” Coun Cross said.
“We’re certainly not looking to rest on our laurels any time soon.
“Election night was a great success for Worcester Green Party, following on from the similarly impressive results seen in May’s local elections this year.
“All eyes are now shifting to the local elections due to be held in May 2024, which will be run under a new system that will see all local councillor positions up for election in the same year and will use new ward boundaries,” he added.
