Worcester elections 2024: St John's ward candidates

Seven candidates are battling it out for two seats on Worcester City Council - before the changes, there were three St John’s seats in the Guildhall.

In the 2023 elections, Labour stalwart Richard Udall retained his place on the council with a sizeable majority.

The other two seats before the boundary changes had been held by Labour’s Robyn Norfolk and Matt Lamb, who are both standing in Dines Green & Grove Farm - so St John’s will see at least one new face joining the council.

Jenny Barnes - Labour

Jenny Barnes (Image: Submitted)

I am proud to be a candidate in St John’s, a welcoming and strong community, one I have lived at the heart of with my family for over 30 years. I have always played a full part in local life. I am a governor at Christopher Whitehead and a volunteer in the library garden. I am also a trustee of two debt relief charities supporting the most vulnerable in our community. 

St John’s has a problem with rogue landlords and planning applications which impact on quality of life. I regularly challenge both. Community safety is important to us all, I have regular meetings with the police, to discuss matters within our neighbourhood.

I embrace Worcester’s vibrant and diverse culture.  I support extending the hours on all local bus routes, increasing active travel and accessibility so that St John’s residents can enjoy all the city has to offer.

Susan Barge - Conservatives

No profile or photo provided.

Peter Jackson - Liberal Democrats

Peter Jackson (Image: Peter Jackson)

I have lived on the west side of Worcester for nearly 40 years. I believe passionately in giving back to society and have been involved in educational governance for nearly 30 years as a school governor and most recently as a board member of Heart of Mercia Multi Academy Trust, which includes Worcester Sixth Form and the Chantry Martley.

My personal focus is around improving the life chances of the next generation, creating a cleaner, more sustainable place for people to live, work and to be able to bring up their own children with access to high quality housing, education and childcare that is affordable for everyone. We live in an amazing historic city and if elected I will work tirelessly for residents in St John’s.

Rob Ottolangui - Green Party

Rob Ottolangui (Image: Rob Ottolangui)

I moved to St John’s three years ago and have found it to be a great place to live, with a strong community, fantastic pubs, and good access to our beautiful city centre. I will bring a fresh perspective that will help tackle the issues affecting our area.

To improve air quality and our overall health, I advocate for better public transport, active travel routes, and bike storage in St John’s, which will reduce traffic congestion. I will focus on ensuring social and private landlords keep up essential maintenance on properties, ensuring that residents can enjoy pleasant and warm homes. I will support local volunteers to protect and promote our social spaces, such as the library and Cripplegate Park.

I want to build upon the achievements of the Green councillors in Worcester, who have worked to build a more sustainable and compassionate city.

James Snell - Conservatives

No profile or photo provided.

Annie Swift - Green Party

Annie Swift (Image: Annie Swift)

I have lived in Worcester for over 10 years, and work as a learning and development manager for an animal welfare charity. I love living in Worcester and I really want to help to make our city a safe, clean and green place to live that we can be truly proud of.

I’ve been listening to residents in St John’s and will support you with issues such as transport, campaigning for clean air and liveable streets, better bus services, and 20mph speed limits where people live.

Housing is another key issue; I’ll support residents by taking action against private landlords who do not improve poor quality housing. Supporting small, independent local businesses is a priority, as well as ensuring that green spaces are well maintained and habitats are enhanced for wildlife. 

I believe that our city needs councillors who bring hope with solutions, who will help local communities through actions not just words.

Richard Udall - Labour

Richard Udall (Image: Richard Udall)

I have worked tirelessly since I was first elected, in 1991, to stand up for all the people of St John’s. I have lived in St John’s all my life. I know many residents personally; I consider it an honour and a privilege to represent you at the Guildhall.

We need to do more to improve public transport, to challenge absentee landlords; to improve the accountability of housing associations. I will use the planning system to oppose any inappropriate housing developments and to encourage more businesses and shops to come to St John's. We need to preserve our parks and local environment; we need more areas for children to play.

We need to tackle speeding, illegal parking, crime, and anti-social behaviour. We need measures to reduce the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, which is still hurting residents very hard. I hope to continue to be your voice at the Guildhall.