Worcester elections 2024: Cathedral ward candidates

Ten candidates are vying for two seats on the city council with Labour leader Lynn Denham hoping to keep her seat after a year that saw her party share power with the Greens.

Mrs Denham last fought a city council in 2021, when she defeated Conservative Shafaz Ditta by just 40 votes.

Cathedral ward elections in 2022 and 2023 were won by Jabba Riaz and Atif Sadiq for Labour, who are both standing in the Fort Royal ward this time around.

Jon Bodenham - Green Party

Jon Bodenham (Image: Jon Bodenham)

I would like to serve Cathedral ward for the Green Party. Cathedral ward encompasses the heart of the city and would benefit from the introduction of Park and Ride on the outskirts of the city to encourage more walking and cycling and a small regular shuttle bus for local journeys.

Since I moved to Diglis, I have become more passionate about the environment, changed my lifestyle, halved my carbon footprint and gone electric with car and bike.

Having had three careers, in grocery marketing, financial services, and charity fundraising, I feel strongly about encouraging local businesses, sustainable development and harnessing the voluntary sector. 

I have experience as a councillor on a town council that achieved gold level for effectiveness. I am a trustee of both Worcester Community Garden on Pitchcroft and the Diglis Hub, which aims to establish a long overdue community centre. I enjoy litter-picking locally around the canals and riverside with my fox terrier Brian.

Lynn Denham - Labour

Lynn Denham (Image: Lynn Denham)

I have been a Worcester city councillor since 2012 and leader of the Labour group for the last two years. On May 2, voters have a unique opportunity to choose Worcester’s future. I have the knowledge and vision to deliver the positive change people are asking for.

I have battled against greedy developers and rogue landlords. I have fought for our green spaces and decent homes. I am passionate about fairness and giving everyone an opportunity to participate in city life.

Worcester needs councillors who listen to residents, work with local businesses and cooperate with community groups and partners. We pledge to support local people through the cost of living crisis and protect and develop Worcester’s creative talent and cultural heritage.

A Labour-led council would deliver practical solutions for more active travel options, better play facilities and action to reduce energy use and make recycling and reuse easier.

Archie Harrison - Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

Archie Harrison (Image: Archie Harrison)

I'm standing as a TUSC candidate because I see no solution to issues we face from either of the main political parties.

I believe the Tories are responsible for the issues we must all endure due to their vicious austerity and destructive privatisation of public services: our higher energy bills, polluted rivers and long NHS waiting times are a direct result of this.

However, I'm under no illusion that Starmer's Labour is a solution, both locally and nationally they will continue the Tory policy of austerity and privatisation, they will continue to pass the bill of their incompetence onto us the workers, all while attacking us, just ask the Coventry refuse workers. With this in mind, who can you and I vote for? Well this is why I'm standing, to be the alternative, to oppose any and all austerity, to end the attacks on workers rights and to defend the oppressed.

Francis Lankester - Independent

Francis Lankester (Image: Francis Lankester)

Our national political system is broken and doesn’t work for us. But locally we can make a difference and I am working on these priorities for our city and fellow local residents:

·   Ensure Scala Arts Centre cost doesn’t undermine local services

·   Relentlessly hold the council leadership to account

·   Clear litter, graffiti and fly-tipping quickly

·   Cut using consultants and senior management posts

·   Independent local newsletter and website reporting back regularly

·   Restore the Saturday skips with recycling                                                         

·   Affordable/ social housing on spare council land

·   Diglis community hub funding

·   Support a credit union/ fight loan sharks

·   A Worcester/ civil war history trail

You have two votes. I hope you think I merit one of them.

Adele Rimell - Conservatives

Adele Rimell (Image: Adele Rimell)

Adele has lived with her husband Chris in Worcester for nearly 30 years. They have a daughter who is a doctor. Adele works as a finance manager for an engineering company and was formerly the chair of Worcester Swimming Club as well as being a Sunday school teacher.

Through direct contact with residents of Cathedral, she has discovered what issues are important to them.

This is particularly the case when they speak about anti-social behaviour, inconsiderate parking, litter, and dog mess. These are matters that need addressing, and Adele will listen to people who live in the locality.

If elected Adele would want to take the opportunity of helping those who live here transform their ward and to move forward in an area that requires attention.

Other Conservative councillors have taken control of their wards to ensure that they receive the attention they deserve. Adele would enjoy the challenge of doing the same in Cathedral.  

Chris Rimell - Conservatives

(No photo supplied)

After working overseas, Chris has lived in Worcester for over 25 years with his wife Adele. They have a daughter who is a doctor. Chris has served as a committee member of Worcester Swimming Club and has been a church trustee.

He runs a local business in the construction sector and will strive to bring investment and jobs to Cathedral.

Knocking doors has shown Chris that effective action is required to fight anti-social behaviour. He will be working closely with the police and holding surgeries to ensure that this scourge is reported and acted upon. Chris will hold these regular surgeries along with his Conservative colleagues, so whether the issue be parking, housing, persistent littering, or anything else, Chris can find out the best way to help you.

Adam Scott - Labour

Adam Scott (Image: Adam Scott)

I was brought up in Worcester and came back when I retired after working for local councils in the north. Now I am standing for Cathedral ward in the city council.

I am keen to support my hometown, and know I have skills in planning and regeneration which can help here. Especially in our wonderful city with its long history, its vibrant city centre and lovely riverside.

I am passionate about the environment - I planted over 200 trees last winter. I have loved meeting so many people and businesses throughout Cathedral ward and hearing about all the local issues.

While there are problems, inevitable in such a congested city, there is also real confidence and pride. By working in partnership, I know we can make a difference, revitalise our local economy and support people with the cost-of-living crisis. Only Labour can deliver sensible policies for a sustainable city and rebuild Britain.

Andrew Smith - Liberal Democrats

Andrew Smith (Image: Andrew Smith)

Originally from Whitby in North Yorkshire, I moved to Worcester with my partner in 2015 after spending nine months travelling around South East Asia. In 2018 we spent another three months travelling across the globe. We now have two young children, who love their local parks and woods.

Having travelled the world, I’ve seen how lucky we are to have a stable and functioning democracy in the UK. We take it for granted and in return we see far too many political games being played at our expense. I want to see people feeling valued and listened to, which means proportional representation, so the council better reflects the city.

I lead by example, taking my son on regular litter picks to show the importance of looking after the area he lives in. I’m here to listen to people and act on those concerns. I want to see a safe and prospering community which cares about society, the environment and empowers all. 

Leisa Taylor - Green Party

Leisa Taylor (Image: Leisa Taylor)

I am one of the Green Party candidates standing in Cathedral Ward. I live on Bath Road with my partner, teenager and dog.

I've dedicated 30 years to youth work and am deeply rooted in our community. I volunteer for Friends of Diglis Field, Diglis Hub and the local Bike Bus. I actively support local businesses and local artists, as I value the ways in which they enhance the city and its economy.

As a Take the Jump ambassador, I'm ready to actively support communities to play their part in reducing our carbon emissions. I also volunteered with Climate Emergency UK and my participation in their Local Climate Academy equipped me with essential skills to address ecological challenges at the council level.

I champion feminism, social justice, and strive to create resilient, diverse and inclusive communities. Your vote will empower me to continue this vital work. Together, let's create a community that thrives and welcomes all.

Stuart Wild - Liberal Democrats

Stuart Wild (Image: Stuart Wild)

Stuart lives in Diglis. He read physics at Durham University and operational research at Hull. He’s the owner of a local IT company, ex-director of a public company and a retired Royal Navy officer - a wealth of real-life experience.

He cares about local issues. Understands that issues like potholes are important but believes that other important issues that aren’t the city council’s remit need tackling.

Many of us are struggling financially. The city helps when it can but must do more. Saying ‘’it’s not our responsibility’ is not enough, says Stuart.

Stuart is passionate about the availability of primary care. It’s impossible to get a timely appointment with a GP - we need more GPs and walk-in facilities.

Our city is beautiful, but we don’t make the most of its potential. Facilities by the river are lacking and land that could be gardens with recreational facilities is used for car parking.