Long-serving Worcester city councillor Richard Udall has announced that he will not seek re-election after more than three decades representing the people of St John’s.
In a personal statement shared this week, Richard said that while recent death threats against him and his dog had been “nasty”, they were not the main reason for his decision to step down. Instead, he said the time had come for “someone new to take over” with “new ideas, new solutions and a new perspective”.
Richard has represented St John’s since first being elected as a 22-year-old councillor and has become one of the most recognisable figures in Worcester politics. Throughout that time he has remained closely associated with the community where he was born, raised and has lived for generations.
In his statement, Richard reflected on both the pressures and privileges of public service.
“Over the years I have received considerably much more correspondence from people who are kind, genuine and supportive. We are many – they are few. They will not win.”
He also paid tribute to local residents, colleagues and friends for their support over many years in public life.
Richard said:
“It’s been the honour of my life to represent St John’s. It’s my home… my only desire was to serve St John’s, I hope I have done so to the best of my ability.”
While confirming he intends to stand down at the end of his current term, Richard stressed that he is “not going anywhere yet” and still has two years remaining as a councillor.
The announcement has prompted messages of support from across Worcester’s political and community life, recognising Richard’s long record of local service and commitment to residents.
Worcester Labour thanks Richard for his decades of service to St John’s and the wider city and wishes him all the best for the future.