Worcester elections 2024: Nunnery ward candidates

The last scheduled election under the old system - in May 2022 - saw a double win for Labour, with Pat Agar and Basharat Ali both elected ahead of Tories Adele Rimell and Tomasz Wisniewski.

A by-election took place in July 2023 following the death of long-serving Labour councillor Simon Cronin just days after he’d been re-elected in the previous May.

The by-election was won by Labour’s Elaine Willmore with almost twice as many votes as former city mayor Allah Ditta.

Pat Agar - Labour

Pat Agar (Image: Pat Agar)

I have served as a city councillor since 2006, representing Nunnery. Like most local residents, I am very proud of our beautiful, historic city.

Across the country and in Worcester, we have seen shops, pubs and institutions disappear. They are at the heart of the places we call home. Labour will support people and businesses by delivering skills training and job advice in local neighbourhoods. Ronkswood Community Centre will receive £128,000 to upgrade facilities and provide a skills hub.

I know that times are tough, with many of us struggling to pay our bills in the cost of living crisis. If re-elected, I will make sure we get value for money from local services. I will work with colleagues to improve play facilities for our children and young people, and to improve much needed bus services.

Finally, I would like to thank the people of Nunnery and ask for your support to continue as your city councillor. 

Nadeem Ahmed - Independent

No profile or photo provided.

Asfand Ali

No profile or photo provided.

Bash Ali - Labour

Bash Ali (Image: Bash Ali)

Since I was elected to represent Nunnery Ward two years ago, I have seen how difficult life has become for so many in Worcester. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting hard. Skyrocketing energy bills and food prices are crippling families. We need to see greater ambition locally to ensure homes are well insulated and families are given the financial support they need. Nationally and locally, the Tories have let us all down.

I have worked hard to deal with anti-social behaviour in the area. With my Nunnery councillor colleagues I carry out regular ward ‘walkabouts’ and litter picks. I continue to support activities at Ronkswood Community Centre and Newtown Green and am doing all I can to secure improvements at Medway community centre and local play areas.

If elected, you can be assured that I will continue to work hard for you and be always on your side.

Leon Babu - Conservatives

Leon Babu (Image: Leon Babu)

Leon, a graduate in international business, previously worked in tech sales and is now managing two local businesses. He now wants to use his skills for the benefit of the community, while at the same time looking to council efficiencies.

If elected Leon aims to help residents in Nunnery with their concerns about council matters.

Leon pledges to help boost local entrepreneurship, enrich multicultural experiences through organising events, as well as ensuring our parks and activity zones for children are well maintained.

With a passion for nurturing talent and fostering inclusivity, Leon aims to channel his expertise into initiatives that uplift both businesses and the community, ensuring a prosperous and vibrant future for all.

Scott Butler - Liberal Democrats

(no photo supplied)

I was born in Worcester and attended school at Bishop Perowne High School, and college at Worcester Sixth Form College. Following this I completed an undergraduate degree and PhD at Cardiff University specialising in geology and climate change. My specialisation has given me a clear understanding of the issues surrounding climate change and is at the heart of my passion for data driven policies that have a positive impact on the environment.  

I have always been involved in local sport. During my youth I played cricket for Old Elizabethans. As an adult I have been a member of Worcester Sorcerers Baseball Club and I am a very keen golfer and tennis player. My sporting background means I am a strong believer in people of all ages having access to sporting facilities, the arts, and museums. No individual should be costed out of something they love to do. 

David Carney - Reform UK

David Carney (Image: David Carney)

I have lived in Worcester for over 20 years, the past five years within the Nunnery ward. Being a local resident helps with identifying issues we currently face such as anti-social behaviour (boy racers on Swinsherd), litter and graffiti.

With my young family, I’m also concerned about the high levels of traffic, lack of an adequate bus service throughout the city and NHS/dental access for residents.

I have also recently completed a four-year-term as a councillor with Warndon Parish. One of my main roles there was as the chair of finance and I ensured the residents enjoyed a four-year freeze on the amount they paid each year for the upkeep of the parish.

If elected to city council, I would certainly push to freeze the council tax so that everyone doesn’t have to feel the pinch during the cost of living crisis.

I am a full-time carer, part-time qualified accountant, the organiser of the Worcester Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club, a former reserve soldier and you’ll also find me pulling pints at the Worcester Beer and Cider Festival on the racecourse.

Allah Ditta - Conservatives

Allah Ditta (Image: Allah Ditta)

Ditta is your county councillor and in under three years has accomplished more for Nunnery residents than Labour councillors in 20. Residents can look around local streets and see Nunnery Lane adopted after 40 years, many cracked and hazardous pavements resurfaced, alleyways cleared up, unnecessary yellow lines removed-such as in Ripon Road, and others put down where safety demanded them.

Ditta will continue to focus on getting litter, graffiti, and fly-tipping cleaned up as well as addressing concerns about speeding and parking. Ditta will deliver improvements to green and open spaces and fight for a fair share of city council spending in this area.

Barbara Mitra - Green Party

Barbara Mitra (Image: Barbara Mitra)

I have lived in Worcester for over 20 years and work at the University of Worcester. I believe in a caring, inclusive and democratic society which enables everyone to have fulfilling work, follow their interests, and interact with their local community.

Having my own children (one with special needs including autism, epilepsy and PDA) means I understand the importance of supporting others to have rich and rewarding lives.

Our democracy should be participatory and empowering for people to take an active and informed part in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

If elected, I will do all I can to be a voice for local people and local issues. I believe the Green Party is the only party that has the policies to make our society fairer.

Lucy Owen - Conservatives

No profile or photo provided.

Alice Ponder - Green Party

Alice Ponder (Image: Alice Ponder)

Worcester became my home in 2023, and I work locally for a heritage charity. I’m standing for the Green Party in Nunnery Ward because I believe in honest, hopeful politics which tackles real issues and genuinely cares about people.

I share their vision of an inclusive and planet-friendly city and wider society. I’ve been inspired by how Worcester Greens follow their words with real actions, working hard every day for people, neighbourhoods and the city. Everyone’s voice matters – and the Greens really listen to people. If elected, I would be delighted to join them in actively representing my community.

I share the Greens’ determination to tackle the climate and housing crises in Worcester, and their commitment to empowering younger people like me in politics. I would be honoured to be elected to help make the Green vision for Worcester a reality.

Elaine Willmore - Labour

Elaine Willmore (Image: Elaine Willmore)

I am a physiotherapist and health researcher with 25 years of NHS service. I love working with people and have learned through my career that the most important thing is listening to people, not just hearing them, to find out what really matters to them. 

I am married and have two children - both of whom attend our local high school. As a family we are lucky to enjoy active lives, with both our boys involved in various sporting and musical activities. I know Worcester is brimming with talented young people and want to see their creative abilities unlocked and developed. 

I strongly believe that healthy minds and bodies are inextricably linked and access to nature and green spaces is vital for well-being. Delivering better youth and play facilities across the city is a key part of our manifesto and I hope I can be part of ensuring its delivery.

Mikaeel Zafar

No profile or photo provided.

Jacek Zmarzlik - Green Party

Jacek Zmarzlik (Image: Jacek Zmarzlik)

I come from Poland and moved to Worcester a couple years ago. If you vote for me, I will work to make it a greener, fairer and more accessible city for everyone.  

I am a keen cyclist and used to enjoy cycling on a tandem with my disabled son, but I gave up because of the lack of safe cycleways in Worcester. I will campaign hard for an improved network of cycleways and footpaths to give people the option of safe cycling and walking.

I am also campaigning for more affordable and pleasant public transport. I would like to see the introduction of electric buses in Worcester, which would not only cut fossil fuel usage but also improve air quality.

As the parent of a child with disabilities, I know how difficult it can be to get access to quality childcare services. I want every child to get the support they need.