MALVERN'S Conservatives have announced their picks to stand in this year's county council elections. 

Here is part one of our look at the candidates standing on May 6:

Chase – Lucy Hodgson

Lucy Hodgson is an experienced local councillor, representing Chase at County Council, where she is also the Cabinet Member for Communities.

She said: “This last year has been a tough one for all. As a carer being forced to stay at home, I know how hard it has been for our community. I took solace in learning to bake cakes, but this in no way compensates for the lost time with loved ones.

"It is important to ensure that the whole community, and all councillors, work together to help us all rebuild our lives after Covid restrictions are relaxed.”

Croome – Paul Middlebrough

Paul Middlebrough has lived and worked in Worcestershire since 1984 and has represented Croome Ward for the last four years, delivering improvements including the proposed roundabout on the A38.

His career has seen him serve as Treasurer of the West Mercia Police Authority, and Hereford and Worcester County Council. Since 1998, Paul has worked in the education and financial sectors, and for over 10 years has been Treasurer of the Friends of Worcestershire Royal Hospital, raising money to help patients.

He said: “I studied Environmental Science, and I am passionate about Green Issues. By working with the Government at County level, we can deliver real changes in the environment, delivering a better environment for our children."

Hallow – Scott Richardson Brown

A new candidate, Scott Richardson Brown is standing for Hallow, and said he will prioritise rural broadband, should be be elected.

He said: "I’m passionate about our local environment and want to ensure it remains a lovely place to both live and work, whilst looking at how we improve the balance between infrastructure and ecology to enable us all to do that.

"How we contend with some of the bigger housing issues, balancing our green rural spaces with the need for infrastructure, schools and homes, particularly affordable ones, I know is important to many of our residents."

Langland – James O’Donnell

James O’Donnell is a local man who grew up in Pickersleigh, attending The Grove Infants and Junior School and then Dyson Perrins. His wife is a teacher at Dysons Perrins, and his children attend Wells Primary, and Hanley Castle High School.

As the County Councillor over the last four years he has directly secured funding for a range of local groups and charities including The Malvern Cube, The Octagon Centre, Malvern Rugby Club, Newtown FC, and health and sports activities through Freedom Leisure, Scouts, and the Guides.

He said: "We face an incredible set of challenges moving forwards including dealing with the pandemic.

"Although it is hard to look ahead while still dealing with Covid, it is important we plan and support our economy moving forwards, to allow everyone to have opportunities and support where needed.

"We must also not forget the ongoing work dealing with the climate emergency and the issues related to this. We can all do something to help.

"I’ve arranged for additional trees to be planted in my division as well as pushing the County Council to move faster with its carbon neutral plans and supporting active travel in our community."