City council elections 2024: Dines Green & Grove Farm candidates

Dines Green & Grove Farm is a new ward for Worcester City Council, created following the first review of the city’s electoral map in 20 years.

It is where hundreds of new homes are set to be built in the coming years and it means the St John’s ward is now significantly smaller than it was.

Residents may recognise a couple of current St John’s councillors on the ballot paper - Labour’s Matt Lamb, who was most recently re-elected in 2022 with a majority of 546, and Robyn Norfolk, who was elected in 2021 with 178 more votes than the Tories’ Joseph Amos.

Nine candidates are vying for two seats on the council representing the new ward.

Margarete Cawte - Conservatives

No profile or photo provided

Mark Davies - Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

Mark Davies (Image: Mark Davies)

After years of austerity, councils should provide the services that the people they represent need. But councillors from the established parties claim, at best, that budgets are tight and they are doing the best they can.

I’m seeking to be a councillor that fights for ‘no cuts’ people’s budgets, demands the necessary to provide the services needed, and builds a movement to ensure those demands can’t be ignored, fighting alongside workers, trade unions and communities to halt Tory austerity.

I’m seeking to be a councillor that’s part of a party that gives us our own voice, fights to end the cost-of-living crisis, fights oppression at home and around the world and has a socialist programme that represents our interests, not the interests of the rich and big businesses.

Andrew Holmes - Liberal Democrats

(no picture provided)

I am a Worcester resident and work in the travel and tourism industry.

Like many people, I took only minimal interest in politics until the events of 2016 caused me to join the Liberal Democrat party and become an activist. I have since taken a much keener interest in politics at all levels and come to realise how important it is to engage with politics at a local level.

None of us can hope to influence international politics, however, at a local level we can make a real difference. As council tax payers we all have a significant interest in how our money is spent and elections are the ‘comparison website’ of politics.

My priorities are clean air, clean rivers, and a safe living and working environment. A vibrant city with a thriving economy in the daytime and at night. Inclusivity and access to local services for all. A healthy and happy city. Access to lifelong education.

Remember you really can make a difference on May 2. More so than in national elections. I truly believe that each and every resident of Worcester deserves the best services the city can provide.

Matt Lamb - Labour

Matt Lamb (Image: Matt Lamb)

I have lived in St John’s for the last 23 years and I have been a Labour councillor there since 2010. I am seeking your support to be elected to the new ward of Dines Green and Grove Farm.

​​I have worked tirelessly for my residents.​ I have fought to protect services at St John’s Library, worked with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour, helped repair Meco Alley, paid for local families to go to Weston and Stourport, supported the community fridge and Dines Green summer fair at the Green Hub, campaigned to protect and enhance our green spaces and held housing associations like Platform to account.

If re-elected I will work to secure well-paid and secure jobs, to ensure a green and healthy environment, to build safe and clean neighbourhoods, to secure affordable housing and to create a welcoming city that works for all of the people of Dines Green and Grove Farm.

Robyn Norfolk - Labour

Robyn Norfolk (Image: Robyn Norfolk)

I have lived in Worcester for over 20 years and have worked with Matt Lamb and Richard Udall serving residents of the ‘village in the city’ since 2021.

I have worked with Platform Housing to help resolve issues reported by residents and helped in the fight to retain the police stop in Dines Green.

I have highlighted the important role Laugherne Brook plays in our daily lives and fought for improved air quality reporting in St. John’s. I have worked with the council to draw up a plan to improve our play spaces.

If re-elected I will work with the council to implement the play strategy, particularly in the new ward of Dines Green and Grove Farm. I will also pay specific attention to ensuring well-paid jobs are available as well as reducing anti-social behaviour. I will work to ensure that Worcester remains the warm and welcoming city I love.

Katherine Pingree - Green Party

Katherine Pingree (Image: Katherine Pingree)

I am a lifelong Worcester resident and am driven by a passion to make positive change and care deeply about our community. For the past nine years, I've been actively contributing to its well-being through my work in healthcare.

I am currently training to be a student paramedic, where I have gained a profound understanding of the challenges facing our society. My dedication for helping others drives my support for a compassionate and inclusive community where everyone has a chance to thrive and have a say in decisions that affect them.

I understand the importance of taking care of both people and our environment - that's why I believe in Green Party policies that support everyone and protect our planet.

My goal is to listen to people's concerns and speak up for them. I want to make sure everyone feels valued and a part of their local community.

Martin Potter - UKIP

No profile or picture provided.

Nicola Silvester - Green Party

Nicola Silvester (Image: Nicola Silvester)

I have lived in Worcester for 22 years and am delighted to be standing for election to represent Dines Green and Grove Farm. I am standing for the Green Party because it is the party that puts planet and people first.

Until recently I worked part-time at the Pump House environment centre which has now sadly closed. Since then I have adapted to a new job role. I am involved with my local community including litter picks, and am starting a mindfulness group.

I feel strongly about the issues that have an effect on community life, such as litter, traffic pollution and the lack of green spaces, which have a beneficial effect on our health and wellbeing. If elected I will work to make sure the voices of Dines Green residents are heard in the Guildhall.

Mike Wilson - Conservatives

No profile or photo provided