Worcester elections 2023: will Greens keep St Stephen seat safe?

The last election in the ward saw Neil Laurenson comfortably re-elected with a 650-vote majority – making it a hat-trick of wins at the polls for the Green councillor in a ward that saw the party claim its first city council win in 2012. On the same day two years ago, the area threw its support behind Green county councillor Matthew Jenkins in his re-election bid with a thumping 1,200-vote majority.

This time around, the party’s new leader on the city council Marjory Bisset is facing re-election for the first time having picked up an historic win herself back in 2019 when the ward, which historically had been a safe haven for the Conservatives, switched from all-Tory representation to all-Green councillors for the first time.

Based on past results, the Greens will be expecting another comfortable win here with St Stephen becoming a bit of a fortress for the party having established itself over the last decade and it would definitely be a shock to see the Greens lose their leader if Marjory Bisset is not re-elected.

The Conservatives, who have been perennial runners-up in St Stephen, have put forward one of the city’s Polish community leaders Tom Wisniewski who will be hoping to better the 433 votes the Tories received in a – by some distance – second-placed finish two years ago.

Despite its success in the neighbouring Arboretum, Rainbow Hill and Warndon wards in city council elections, Labour has not fared as well as it would like to have done in St Stephen elections finishing in lowly third position in 2021 – with just 182 votes - and in 2019 when candidate Ruth Coates, who is standing in Warndon Parish North this time around, came third with 114 votes.

Past results have the Liberal Democrats even further behind with candidate Simon Cottingham not breaking two figures in 2021 in his last-placed finish. This time around, the party’s chair Alison Morgan will be standing.

MARJORY BISSET (GREEN)

“I have lived in Worcester since 2014 and have been interested in Green politics for many years. I joined the Green Party in 2004 and stood in many local elections and one general election before finally being elected in 2019.

“I am very happy to be standing for re-election in St Stephen. I get great pleasure out of meeting local residents and talking to them about their concerns.

“Big challenges face us, including the climate emergency, biodiversity loss and the inequality in our society. I firmly believe we can tackle these at the local level, as well as the national.

“I had a long career in the IT industry as a technical author. I have two grown-up children and a granddaughter. In my spare time, I like to cook, go walking and make music. I play the violin and sing in a local choir.”

RUTH COATES (LABOUR)

“I have lived in Worcester since 2015, moving from Birmingham, with my husband. My family has recently expanded to include a small but spoiled dog.

“I have worked in the voluntary sector for over 25 years, currently working as a senior manager in mental health support and I am passionate about social justice and in particular fair and equal access to health services for all.

“Since moving here I have watched Worcester grow along its north border but public transport access to the city and other areas diminish.

“A continuing lack of priority for local buses, a patchy train network and roads that are getting busier.

“I want the people of St Stephen to be able to walk and cycle along safe and well-maintained paths and roadways, free from anti-social parking and an increasing issue with litter and pollution.

“Worcester is a beautiful city which should work for all.”

ALISON MORGAN (LIB DEM)

“I am standing in St Stephen where my children attended Perdiswell Primary School and now Tudor Grange Academy. I work in education at a secondary school in Worcester.

“I will work hard to address issues facing the residents of St Stephen and would like to make it a place where people, business and nature can thrive together.

“The area is fortunate to have the green space at Perdiswell, and the canal, and I would do my best to ensure these important areas are looked after and are pleasant spaces for everyone to use.

“Access to public services can be difficult and I will work to improve this. I will also campaign for more frequent and better public transport, especially to and from the hospital, and will support and encourage active travel wherever it is possible.

“It would be a real privilege to represent St Stephen and to work to make the area an even better place to live.”

TOM WISNIEWSKI (CONSERVATIVE)

“I am a proud, long-time native of Worcester, having lived here for about 20 years. I was born and raised in Poland. I am married and have a ten-year-old daughter.

“Worcester has so much to offer its residents, but I know we can make it even better by working together. I have been engaged with social programmes in Worcester for about 16 years.

“My background has provided me with a wide-ranging skillset, incorporating business development, the charity sector, management operations and more. I can put this relevant experience to good use, working with colleagues, partners, and officers of the city council to bring about a positive change.

Living in the ward for almost two decades, I believe this community deserves much more, and I promise that your vote will not be wasted if you vote for me. I will strive to deliver better roads, pavements, and cleaner and safer areas for everyone and will work tirelessly.

“I firmly believe that actions speak louder than words. I am the only local candidate in this election. Vote for me, and you will have my commitment.”