Worcester elections 2024: Claines ward candidates

Karen Lawrance defeated Conservative Louie Lynch by just 70 votes in 2021, but Mel Allcott achieved a majority of 1,399 a year later and Jessie Jagger finished 1,158 votes ahead of Tory Angela Stanley in 2023.

There are 12 candidates standing in Claines this year, with the ward staying unchanged despite boundary changes affecting much of the city, and three seats on the city council up for grabs.

Louis Allaway - Labour

Louis Allaway (Image: Louis Allaway)

I have lived in Claines ward for most of my life, attending local schools and taking part in local groups and activities. I care passionately about my local community and providing opportunities for all - especially young people.

The Covid pandemic was awful for children and young people, unable to get out and about, having to learn at home instead of at school or college. This has had a huge impact on mental health and confidence in young people. As well as doing more to provide good jobs locally and decent, affordable homes, we need to improve mental health provision in schools and colleges - something Labour is committed to doing.

After A-levels I chose to do an apprenticeship rather than go to university. I depend on public transport to get to my job. Too often trains and buses just don’t turn up. Better public transport would help tackle the traffic congestion we suffer in Claines.

Mel Allcott - Liberal Democrats

Mel Allcott (Image: Mel Allcott)

A city councillor for almost five years and a county councillor for almost three, I have a great breadth of experience and knowledge, which I bring to council. Growing up in Worcester and living in Claines, I know our city and I know Claines.

I have a proven track record which includes the replacement of all Northwick Manor Heritage Trail boards, the completion and lighting of the Lidl footpath and the creation of a new pavement on a route to North Worcester Primary Academy.

Resurfaced footpaths and pavements include Elizabeth Avenue to Ombersley Road, Beckett Drive, Green Lane, and Seymour Avenue. Many more are on the list and work continues.

Improvements to road safety include new signage, extension to the timing of a school pedestrian crossing, installation, and movement of speed awareness signs plus double yellow lines on junctions with poor visibility.

Re-elected I will continue to campaign for you, for the NHS, education, housing, the environment, plus properly address the cost-of-living crisis.

Simon Bovey - Green Party

Simon Bovey (Image: Simon Bovey)

Claines is one of the most diverse wards in the city of Worcester, with many competing needs and issues, from affordable housing, transport, air pollution and health to the green spaces and biodiversity that this ward cherishes.

There is also a strong sense of community here and a huge amount of potential still to unlock. As a city councillor I will do all I can to be a responsive and passionate voice for constituents and ensure that this neighbourhood, and Worcester as a whole, develops sympathetically into a thriving, healthy and enviable environment in which to raise families and pursue careers.

I am a long-time resident of the city, a writer and a lecturer at the University of Worcester.

Tom Henri - Labour

Tom Henri (Image: Tom Henri)

I am an academic, social worker, entrepreneur and trade union organiser. I live in Worcester with my wife and my dachshund Bruce. I care about sustainability and doing what we can locally to meet the challenges of the climate crisis.

Sadly, residents in Claines are troubled by inappropriate development on long-cherished open spaces and cuts to bus services that only increase the isolation felt by so many in the area.

Labour’s ‘Better Buses’ plan should see the reintroduction of bus services across Worcester. 

Residents in Claines are not immune to the ongoing cost of living crisis. As food, energy and fuel prices skyrocket, it is more important than ever to insulate homes and promote walking and cycling.

It is also important to provide help for those most in need and I am proud that Labour councillors have done this through the Discretionary Welfare Fund and support to Worcester Foodbank and CAB.

Jessie Jagger - Liberal Democrats

Jessie Jagger (Image: Jessie Jagger)

Jessie Jagger was elected as a city councillor last year. Alongside her role as an A-level law teacher, she has worked on a number of projects during the last year.

In her ward, Jessie introduced a pioneering scheme for period equality, ensuring free access to biodegradable hygiene products at select locations. In council, she pushed for an amendment to ensure the progress of the pump track project.

She has been a vocal opponent of the new plans for the Scala and Corn Exchange buildings, advocating for alternative approaches.

As a member of the Environment Committee she supported many projects to reduce the council's carbon footprint and collaborated with Sarah Murray to push for council action on Ash Die Back, a disease affecting many trees across the city. 

Karen Lawrance - Liberal Democrats

Karen Lawrance (Image: Karen Lawrance)

During my three years as your city councillor I’ve been thrilled to meet amazing volunteers who selflessly give up their time to help others, from youth groups, litter picking, organising transport, social events for the elderly or developing community gardens.

My key achievements:

Having pressurised Sanctuary Housing about a broken elevator in Noele Court they changed their national strategy to address the maintenance of elevators across their property portfolio. 

Helping to organise two free events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and King’s Coronation on Cornmeadow Rec.

Helping the police break a drugs and underaged drinking gang.

Instrumental in developing the city’s Cost of Living support service. 

Planting trees, prioritising environmental measures.

Supporting a new Air Quality Monitor trial that provides live data on air pollution. 

My aim is to continue to improve our community, especially an exciting youth project in early planning stages. 

I’m proud to represent the people of Claines. 

Mandy Neill - Green Party

Mandy Neill (Image: Mandy Neill)

I have lived in Worcester for 13 years and love raising my family here. I have always been inspired by making the environment a better place to live and work for everyone.

I am a chartered landscape architect in the Natural Environment team at Herefordshire Council.

I am active in the local community, including as a trustee for Worcester Community Garden, with the Bike Bus for North Worcester Primary Academy and as a regular volunteer at the Worcester Show.

If elected I will work hard for a safer, cleaner environment and stand up for local residents. My priorities are increasing recycling of household waste, promoting active travel and enhancing green public spaces. Claines residents have three votes in the election. Use one for me to make sure that I can contribute to the hard-working Green team of councillors, who have the knowledge and experience to make a difference.

Claire Nichols - Green Party

Claire Nichols (Image: Claire Nichols)

I have lived in Worcester for 30 years, although originally from Liverpool. I have two grown-up children and have recently retired.

I got involved in the Green Party locally a few years ago because I saw how committed they are to local issues, and how hard they work to bring about positive changes in our lovely city.

Worcester needs councillors
who bring hope through solutions and who listen to residents. Greens are ethical, responsible and kind and help local communities through actions not just words.

I strongly support the Greens’ transport policies, including making it easier to move around the city without having to use a car. Worcester suffers from major traffic congestion and poor air quality. There is a real chance at this election to turn our city around and make it a great example of sustainable transport, through initiatives such as electric taxis and free or affordable buses.

Trish Nosal - Conservatives

Trish Nosal (Image: Trish Nosal)

Ana, known as Trish, has lived in Worcester for many years with her husband, sons and daughter. She built her own cleaning company where she now employs several people. She enjoys meeting new people, making friends, having fun, and dancing.

If elected, her aims will be to make an impact in helping people negotiate issues that they have with the city council, be it street scene, waste collection, housing problems or just general enquiries.

She looks forward to being part of the committees that will bring about changes for the better in her community.

Joy Squires - Labour

Joy Squires (Image: Joy Squires)

I have had the privilege of being a Worcester city councillor previously, so understand fully what’s involved to help resolve local issues, build strong links in a local community and take  sometimes difficult decisions at the city council.

I have a good track record of setting up and working with community groups on environmental issues especially. 

Fourteen years of Tory failure at national and local level have resulted in severe budget cuts and huge pressure on local services. The cost of living crisis, problems with the NHS, sky-high energy costs, empty shops and cuts to services all have an impact on local residents. It is time for change.

Residents in Claines live in a beautiful part of Worcester. Labour councillors are committed to maintaining clean and safe neighbourhoods, excellent parks and open spaces and good leisure facilities that all can continue to enjoy.

Chris Thorp - Conservatives

Chris Thorp (Image: Chris Thorp)

Chris was brought up and schooled in Northumberland where he studied law, then entered the computer industry, designing and programming Building Society systems. He worked overseas in the 1970s before returning to the UK in finance, banking, cards and payment systems.

Chris enjoys sports, with interests in rugby and rowing, he still participates in half marathons.

Chris is secretary of an allotments association, a matter on which if elected he will provide a strong voice in council, pressing for fair provision, rents and concessions.

Chris will seek extended Gheluvelt Park splash-pad opening hours as well as pressing for good jobs for Worcester residents.

Tom Wisniewski - Conservatives

Tom Wisniewski (Image: Tom Wisniewski)

Tom has lived in Worcester for about 20 years, was born and raised in Poland, is married, and has a 10-year-old daughter.

He volunteers with many organisations and enjoys sports and music.

Tom believes that Worcester has much to offer but knows it can be made better by working together with residents.

He has been engaged with social programmes in Worcester for many years. Tom’s background has provided him with a good skill set, incorporating business development and management operations. He believes he can put this experience to good use, working with partners and officers of the city council to bring a positive change within the ward. 

Tom will work tirelessly to deliver better roads and pavements, as well as a cleaner and safer ward.