Worcester elections 2023: the big battle in Nunnery

The contest has been made more interesting by the news that Conservative big cheese and twice-former mayor Allah Ditta has moved away from the ward he has represented concurrently since 2007 – winning four elections in the process – to contest the neighbouring Nunnery seat.

The surprising move means he will be up against Labour’s Simon Cronin, who has been equally as long-standing and successful come election time, topping the polls on three occasions in the ward as part of a 12-year stint as one of Nunnery’s three councillors.

The ward had been a Labour stronghold for quite some time and it was actually Allah Ditta and the Conservatives who brought an end to Labour’s tight grip on Nunnery when it grabbed the area’s county council seat in a surprise win against Labour’s Pat Agar in 2021’s Covid-delayed elections.

Interestingly, Simon Cronin’s election papers were signed by the region’s former UKIP MEP, and one-time Tory councillor Jim Carver, whose 300-plus victory in the Nunnery ward in 2021 before quitting a year later coincided with Allah Ditta’s election to County Hall on a successful day for the Tories which saw the party take control of the Guildhall for the first time in a number of years.

Despite the big losses two years ago, the party regained some ground last year when the party won both seats on offer following Jim Carver’s resignation – with Pat Agar making sure history did not repeat itself a year on in a re-election win.

Joining the familiar faces will be a couple of new faces with Scott Butler standing for the Lib Dems for the first time and Jacek Zmarzlik making his debut representing the Greens.

Former UKIP-er David Carney stands again as an independent candidate.

SCOTT BUTLER (LIB DEM)

“I was born in Worcester and attended Bishop Perowne High School and Worcester Sixth Form College.

“Following this I completed an undergraduate degree and PhD at Cardiff University specialising in geology and climate change.

“My specialisation has given me a clear understanding of the issues surrounding climate change and is at the heart of my passion for data driven policies that have a positive impact on the environment.

“I have always been involved in local sport. During my youth I played cricket for Old Elizabethans and as an adult I have been a member of Worcester Sorcerers Baseball Club and I am a very keen golfer and tennis player.

“My sporting background means I am a strong believer in people of all ages having access to sporting facilities, the arts, and museums.

“No individual should be costed out of something they love to do.”

DAVID CARNEY (INDEPENDENT)

"I am a local candidate and have lived in Nunnery for over four years.

"Too many councillors come and go that have no connection to the ward and are simply placed here by their party, how can that be of benefit to the residents?

"I am standing as a candidate because I want to represent my community within council and ensure that the ward receives the best service it possibly can.

"I will listen to any concerns and requests that the residents express, and act on them as and when necessary. Nunnery has its fair share of ongoing issues, anti-social behaviour on the streets or in cars, littering and these I will address on your behalf in council if elected.

"It's time for change, vote for the independent instead of national parties that do not consider the residents, but only to look after themselves."

SIMON CRONIN (LABOUR)

“I have been proud to represent Nunnery since 2007. I have always spoken up on behalf of the needs of the community and keep in touch with residents through a monthly drop-in surgery. I worry about the lack of decent, affordable housing in Nunnery ward. Too many live in poor housing rented from rogue landlords.

“I am also concerned about the constant threat to our Ronkswood and Medway community centres and the valuable services they provide. Tory cuts have gone too far.

“Labour councillors are determined to protect families from some of the worst effects of the cost-of-living crisis. We have set aside funding to provide meal vouchers for the hardest hit children, maintained the welfare assistance scheme and supported the foodbank. You can count on me to speak up for you and your neighbours and to fight to protect the services on which we all depend.”

ALLAH DITTA (CONSERVATIVE)

“I am delighted to be standing for the Nunnery ward, an area I am proud to represent on the county council.

“The residents told me that work needed to be done on roads and pavements and I have delivered a number of key improvements, particularly Nunnery Lane, that work will continue.

“Action taken by Conservative councillors has seen a dramatic increase in the number of litter and dog bins in the city and I will fight for more in Nunnery. In addition we need more sport and leisure facilities and I pledge to lead that campaign.

“Residents know that I am a strong community representative over many years, and I am also incredibly proud to have been Mayor of our beautiful city on two occasions.

“My family and I are grateful for your support.”

JACEK ZMARZLIK (GREEN)

“I come from Poland and moved to Worcester at the beginning of last year. If you vote for me, I will work to make it a greener, fairer and more accessible city for everyone.

“I am a keen cyclist and used to enjoy cycling on a tandem with my disabled son, but I gave up because of the lack of safe cycle ways in Worcester.

“I will campaign hard for an updated and extended network of cycle ways and footpaths to give people the option of safe cycling and walking.

“I am also campaigning for more affordable, attractive and greener public transport.

“I would like to see the introduction of electric buses in Worcester, which would not only cut fossil fuel usage but also improve air quality.

“As the parent of a child with disabilities I know how difficult it can be to get access to quality childcare services. I am passionate about every child getting the support they need.”