HALLOW

DEAN CLARKE (INDEPENDENT)

After 10 years as district councillor and winning three elections I feel very privileged to represent Hallow. As an Independent I have a very good record of attending council, committee and workshop meetings; often reminding councillors and officers that Malvern Hills District Council extends beyond Malvern Town.

Despite the government’s regrettable imposition of so many houses in Malvern Hills, determining planning applications and policy is one of our greatest responsibilities.

Membership of the licensing committee (and chairing it this year) has been one of the most interesting responsibilities.

As a enthusiastic grandparent, retired teacher, and local ice cream man, I, as with all Independents, try to take an active role in all community events.

In the last year I have been Father Christmas for a local pre-school and school, the bingo caller at a PTFA event and the rat/coachman in the local village pantomime! Please vote for your Independent candidate.

PAUL SELWAY-SWIFT (CONSERVATIVE)

Paul Selway-Swift who is chairman of the West Worcestershire Conservative Association has had a home in Worcestershire for over 40 years despite having pursued a career in banking which kept him overseas for much of that time.

In semi-retirement Paul is currently chairman of a safe custody business in London, a director of a branded apparel company based in Hong Kong and until November 2018 was chairman of PureCircle Ltd a producer of Stevia sweeteners which is quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

Paul is widowed with three married daughters and five grandchildren. For leisure Paul enjoys playing golf and walking on the Malvern Hills.

Paul has put himself forward to ensure there is a Conservative voice representing the interests of Conservative voters in Hallow.

KEMPSEY

ELAINE DRAGE (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

Born in Lancashire and brought up partly overseas (Dad was in the army), I moved to London after university. I worked for 30 years on public policy in a government department, while my husband and I brought our sons up in south London.

Serving in my local community has always been important to me. I was a school governor of both primary and secondary schools, treasurer of a large church, chair of the local Carers Centre for nine years and also served as a JP for over 20 years.

Since we retired and chose to move three years ago to Worcestershire (the Malverns being a big attraction), I have become involved with my community shop, church and several charities.

Kempsey is at the forefront of what will be a major challenge for the district (and county) councils over the next decades - maintaining the wellbeing of existing residents, whilst also integrating a considerably increased population into a vibrant community.

DAVID HARRISON (INDEPENDENT)

Retiring from The Farmers Arms pub in Kempsey after 49 years, I became a parish councillor for nine years, including two years as chairman, and then in 2011 was persuaded to represent the ward as a district councillor which I have done ever since.

I am a "hands-on" councillor for the Kempsey ward and have an attendance record for meetings in all areas of 93 per cent to 99 per cent for each of the last eight years and with a lot of local knowledge having lived in the village all my life.

I am available and contactable and attend quickly to unforeseen problems in the ward, although Kempsey is one of the largest villages in the country. As an Independent, unconstrained by party politics, I hope that you will vote for myself and John Michael for Kempsey ward, and other Independent councillors for other wards on Malvern Hills District Council this Thursday.

JOHN MICHAEL (INDEPENDENT)

I have had the privilege of being one of the two Independent councillors representing Kempsey ward since 2015. I retired in 2014 after serving 40 years in HM Revenue and Customs and have been involved as a parish councillor for many years and latterly as a district councillor. I am strongly against political parties being involved in local councils and believe all elected councillors should work together for the benefit of the community rather than arguing over ideological issues.

I see my role as a protector of the local environment from inappropriate development, supporting local business and as a facilitator who is there to represent all in my community to whom they can approach about any local problems which my fellow Councillor or me will do our utmost to address. I hope you will support both me and my fellow ward member David Harrison in the forthcoming election.

MADELINE SLANEY (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

I have lived in Malvern for 21 years and worked at RSRE/QinetiQ since 1979. As a physics PhD researcher I was involved in pioneering developments in LCD TV and mobiles. Latterly, I was active in the legal protection and exploitation of Company innovations.

My children went to local schools and are now pursuing careers in law and molecular biology. I relish a challenge and with my husband have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, completed the Annapurna Circuit and the Inca trail and cycled across Indochina.

Having recently retired, I would like to apply my life skills to implementing solutions to burning issues for the benefit of the wider community.

The recent Conservative led expansion of Kempsey has lacked appropriate infrastructure investment leading to major issues, particularly in traffic management. I am unconvinced that current solutions will be sufficient and I believe these and other concerns need new insight.

HARRY TANNER (CONSERVATIVE)

LINDRIDGE

JOHN DRAGE (LIBERAL DEMOCRATS)

I was brought up in Kent. After university and, after a spell working for the UN in India, I spent the rest of my working life at the Bank of England, doing mainly international policy work. This enabled me to see first-hand just how interconnected all countries are now - on so many different levels.

My wife and I brought our family up in South London where I also rang church bells, was involved in our church and gardened when I had time.

After taking early retirement, I served for eight years as a local councillor on a unitary authority, representing a deprived ward. Here I could see how much difference listening, proactive and creative councillors and a proactive council can do to improve the lives of residents.

Lindridge is one of the most beautiful areas of Malvern Hills and, having not had an election four years ago, democracy is not well served unless residents can exercise a choice.

DOUGLAS GODWIN (CONSERVATIVE)

Married to Susan with a son at Chantry School. Lives in Menith Wood was a farmer and now is a Partner at Quality Solicitors Parkinson Wright.

Douglas is one of the current elected members of the Lower Broadheath Ward of Malvern Hills District Council with David Chambers but is standing in Lindridge ward this time as Cllr Chis Dell is standing down after five years sterling service to the community and the council.

Douglas remains a parish councillor for Rock in Worcestershire.

Douglas has in this council been the chairman of the audit committee, vice chairman of overview and scrutiny and sits on the northern area planning committee.

Now a solicitor, Douglas was a tenant and farmer manager in Worcestershire. He has considerable experience dealing in council with planning, environmental and rural related matters. He wishes to continue this work in Lindridge to look after the green and pleasant land of Worcestershire.

LINK

KALEEM AKSAR (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

Kaleem has grown up, worked and been educated in Malvern. His mum’s family have been in Malvern for four generations. As a young activist, Kaleem intends to use his voice on Malvern Hills to pay particular attention to the impact that decisions will have on future generations and other young people in the area.

He is also currently studying for a degree in politics and history.

As a Newland resident, Kaleem is concerned about the impact of new housing on the edge of Link for the area, with the village being annexed by the rest of Link.

CHRIS BURROWS (LABOUR)

I have enjoyed living in Malvern for most of my life and have lived in the Link for 12 years. I have been active in local politics for nearly 10 years.

In that time we have seen the steady erosion of services and facilities in Malvern – cuts to bus and library services, reductions in waste collections, threats to our local hospital. I want to fight our corner against central and local government cuts – something our current District Councillors seem unwilling, or unable, to do.

We have also seen a lot of housebuilding in Malvern over the last 10 years with yet more to come. With this should come section 106 money – provided by developers to be spent on infrastructure such as road improvements. Where has all this money gone? I want to ensure that the people of Malvern Link get a fair say and a fair deal on housing and on local services.

KWAI HUNG CHAN (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

I and my family have been living and cooking in Malvern for over thirty years. I have owned and run the Chinese takeaway in Link Top since 1984 and am well known to many people in the town. I have been working hard as one of Link’s Lib Dem district councillor since being elected in 2015.

I am grateful for the support my business has received from the people of Malvern and believe in giving something back to the community. I recognise how important small local businesses are to the economic wellbeing of our community.

I have a wife and three children, one boy and two girls who are now grown up.

MALCOLM DELINGPOLE (UKIP)

Prior to the Referendum I organised a 'Europe Forum' in Malvern, to help both sides understand what was involved, whilst also attending 'table days' in the area to answer people’s concerns and serving on the local UKIP committee.

After the 'Leave' side had won I was naturally very disappointed that 'Parliament' failed to implement the democratic wish of the electorate to depart from the European Union.

I have lived in the Malvern area for 15 years, but all my 5 children and 2 of my granddaughters were educated at various schools in Malvern.

Keenly active in Malvern’s 'University of The 3rd Age' (U3A) I co-chair the Military History Group and have taken parties to many of Europe’s battlefields and organised walking holidays on various Greek Islands.

My eldest son James is editor of 'Breitbart London', a website very sympathetic to all that UKIP stands for.

MO DUTTA (CONSERVATIVE)

I have lived in the Malvern Hills District for 12 years and am a local businessman working in the media, technology, leisure and property sectors. I have also worked in the broadcast media as a television and radio presenter and a professional journalist. I am passionate about the community, local businesses and countryside.

I very much hope you will allow me to serve you as your councillor and, together with my two colleagues, I will be a strong voice for Malvern Link and will work hard to represent you and strive to make this an even better place to live.

BRIAN HILL (UKIP)

HEATHER JEAVONS (INDEPENDENT)

I am different! I live locally and I put local people and local issues first - such as access to a local school, to reliable rubbish collection, to easy and efficient recycling, to tackling obstructive street parking, to getting better access to local A&E and to restoring our locally based emergency services.

No party politics and as everyone who knows me can confirm - I get things done.

The new developments at Newland and Lower Howsell will bring change to the whole of Malvern and particularly to the Link, and I will fight for a fair deal for local people who deserve the best of housing, education, health care and employment opportunities.

The future belongs to all of us. Please trust me to deliver a bright future for you and for your family.

NEVILLE MILLS (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

I first visited Malvern in my youth. It was a visit that left a lasting impression given I would move to the town in 1960 as an apprentice at the Royal Radar Establishment. In 1969, I married my wife, Liz, and today our son lives nearby with his family in Suckley.

After 43 years at RRE (now Qinetiq), I and Liz have kept busy during retirement through our voluntary work. I work with Malvern U3A, giving talks, as well as volunteering for Citizens’ Advice and Malvern Repair Café, where I can use my technical skills.

My hobbies include gardening, working goats in harness and bell ringing, which I do at St Mary’s Church in Madresfield. I have served as a town councillor for Link since winning a by election in 2018, where I chairs the audit committee. I would hope to serve my fellow Link residents even better as a District Councillor.

JENNIE NEWMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

I live in Malvern Link with my husband, three kids and two dogs so you may well have seen me around the town or walking my dogs on the common! I teach part-time in a local school and also do some private tutoring so, as a working mum, I understand the pressures on today’s families.

I intend to support the well-being of families and, if you elect me, would make that my priority.

I am also very concerned about the elderly in our community as I know how most would prefer to be supported in their own homes rather than care homes or hospitals. And so, as your local councillor, I will speak up for the needs of young families and the elderly to make sure their views are always represented in the council.

DAVID WATKINS (CONSERVATIVE)

During the last four years as one of your ward councillors I have had the responsibility for leading in council on matters affecting the community and housing. A short title but a huge area covering every aspect of health, corporate parenting and homelessness and yes, also including the emotive subject of rough sleepers.

Besides the many calls from Link residents on their own personal issues and concerns. Do I think I have given reasonable service to you all? I hope so and leave you to decide when you vote on May 2.

MARTIN WILLIS (LABOUR)

Martin retired to live in Malvern Link and enjoys singing with Malvern choirs in concerts which raise money for local charities. He is a volunteer with the National Autistic Society.

He actively campaigns on community issues including the provision of GP surgeries, nurse shortages, care for older and disabled people, litter at the retail park, planning for new homes and police support for local businesses.

During his service as a West Midlands county councillor, Martin was a founder director of the West Midlands Enterprise Board investing in productive manufacturing and service businesses.

LONGDON

BRONWEN BEHAN (CONSERVATIVE)

I have lived in Malvern Hills District for most of my life and my family settled in Longdon Ward 15 years ago. We love the open countryside and the well-being of the area. I have been the local ward councillor since 2007 and enjoy meeting and helping residents as well as being part of the community.

As part of my role on the council I have held the portfolio for the environment which introduced the new alternate weekly bin collection, improved communications for recycling, introduced a new commercial waste collection and grown the garden waste collection.

If re-elected I would continue to work, on behalf of all residents, to maintain existing services and be a voice for the people.

JOHN HUMPHREYS (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

I was born on the fringes of the Malverns and have lived all my life around here. I know and love this countryside and its people and the challenges it faces as well. Grafton Farm is a mixed dairy and arable farm, which I have worked for nearly 40 years. It has also been my family home throughout all that time. So I know the area very well indeed.

I have been a parish councillor for Longdon for very many years and would now like to offer my knowledge of and passion for the area as a candidate for the district council.