A COUNTY councillor has said a decision to be de-selected as a 2025 election candidate has "come as no surprise".

Alan Amos, who represents Bedwardine as a Worcestershire county councillor for the Conservatives, will not be a candidate for the party in next year's county council elections.

Mr Amos, who was informed of the decision on Friday (October 11), said: "Not being re-selected for the county council elections has come as no surprise to anyone in the know, least of all me.

"It has been clear for many months that this was the intent of officers at the association under their chairman, Marc Bayliss."

It follows a war of words with Cllr Amos and deputy chairman of Worcestershire Conservative Association Seb James over comments made online in August.

One of the comments on the Worcester News website was made under the name 'Seb James' who said he would rather drink his own urine than support Cllr Amos.

However, Mr James, declined to confirm whether he had written the comment.

Cllr Amos, who is still a city councillor, said as Mr James was on the executive committee, he was not prepared to be in the same room as Mr James as part of the selection process.

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"I didn't receive a word of thanks for my long and successful service or any congratulations when I was the only Conservative elected on to the city council in May.

"I will continue to loyally serve the people of Bedwardine on the county council and the people of Lower Wick and Pitmaston on the city council."

Chairman of the Worcester Conservative Association, Marc Bayliss, said: "Alan has ultimately chosen to exclude himself from selection (as a candidate).

"He was invited to meet residents in Bedwardine and the executive committee on two occasions last week.

"Alan was urged to attend and make his case if he wanted to stand in the 2025 elections, but regrettably, he chose not to."

"All complaints about member conducts have been thoroughly investigated, and it was independently determined that no further action was required.

"As Alan was only re-elected as a Conservative city councillor weeks ago and I hope he recognises that the party will support him as a city councillor."