A BY-ELECTION is expected to be called in Worcester after a city councillor resigned.
Coun Elaine Williams, who represents Labour on the authority, has stood down with immediate effect from her seat in the city’s Warndon ward.
She told The Observer that later in the year she and her husband Alan would be moving to the Kent coast where her daughter and her family had relocated to.
“I stood down now so I could give the right amount of notice for a by-election to be held on May 3, when the other City Council elections take place.
“That way it will not cost the authority anymore money to stage a by-election later in the year.
“I didn’t think it was right for more public money to have to be spent.”
Elaine has always been involved with the Labour Party and, before becoming a councillor for Warndon she was also a councillor on Birmingham City Council, representing Harborne. She has lived in and around Worcester since 1995, apart from a short time in 2013 when she and her husband briefly moved back to Birmingham.
“I am going to miss the role – I have really loved representing the people of Warndon.”
Elaine added among her highlights were being able to support the Worcester Arts Workshop, the Worcester Community Trust and particularly Building Block.
“It is an amazing scheme run by Peter Miller which offers training to people wanting to learn a new trade, such as building, tiling and plumbing, helping them find employment.”
Elaine said in Kent she would be following her other passion of creating her own art work.
When asked if she was thinking about standing in Kent she said: “I think I will get involved with the Labour Party in Kent but I don’t intend to become a councillor there.”
She admitted after being made redundant from her healthcare position she stumbled into standing on Birmingham and Worcester City Councils and it was not her original intention.
“Never say never,” she added.
Elaine concluded by thanking council officers, Guildhall staff and city councillor colleagues of all parties for their friendship and support.
The by-election will be held on May 3, the same day as the main City Council elections, Thursday, May 3, when 12 of Worcester’s 35 seats will be contested.
Polls will be held in the Battenhall, Bedwardine, Cathedral, Claines, Gorse Hill, Nunnery, Rainbow Hill, St John, St Peter’s, Warndon, Warndon Parish North and Warndon Parish South wards.
Warndon residents will be due to choose both of their councillors on that date.
