The City Council elections saw Tories lose overall control as Labour and Green both took a seat from the Tories. 

There are now 17 Tory councillors,. 16 Labour, and 2 Green. 

Congratulations to Elaine Williams, who won Warndon back from the Tories after the defection of Cllr Amos from Labour to Tory in the “Murky Mayor” saga. Also, congratulations to Tracey Biggs, newly elected in Nunnery after the retirement of Richard Boorn. 

Labour achieved all of its targets in Worcester: retaining six seats (with hugely increased majorities and shares of the vote) and regaining Warndon. All of these candidates did far better than we had hoped: Adrian Gregson (Rainbow Hill), Joy Squires (Arboretum), Chris Cawthorne (St Johns), Lynn Denham (Cathedral), Roger Berry (Gorse Hill), Tracey Biggs (Nunnery) and Elaine Williams (Warndon). During the election count, it was announced that Lynn Denham has underwent surgery for bowel cancer just a week before the election, and is now back at home and recovering well. 

Adrian Gregson, as Leader of the Labour Group of City Councillors, is in discussion with Council officials and with Green and Tory politicians, to plan the future of the Council in a position of “no overall control”. The next Council meeting is Tuesday 17 May at 7pm at the Guildhall, and is open to the public.

Labour won most votes in Worcester in this set of elections. The Police & Crime Commissioner election also took place, with Labour’s Daniel Walton coming second across West Mercia, and again winning most votes in Worcester itself. 

These are great results for Labour and very bad for the Conservatives.