Voting and elections

At the Council meeting last night (23 May), Councillors were updated on the ongoing litigation with Warwickshire College Group concerning the lifting of the covenant which restricts the use of Malvern Hills College to education purposes only.

Councillors were also updated on the proposed sale of the College to Malvern Hills Arts and Community College Limited.

Tom Wells, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "In recognising the immense value of the college to the community, Malvern Hills District Council reaffirmed its commitment to defend the covenant through the court proceedings but also continue to make every attempt to seek a settlement which sees the college sold to Malvern Hills Arts and Community College".

Malvern Hills District Council has officially elected a Leader and Chairman.

At the Annual Council meeting last night (23 May), Cllr Tom Wells was re-elected as the council's Leader.

Cllr Barbara Jones-Williams was elected as Chairman, the former Chairman Cllr John Michael, passed over his chains during the meeting.

Cllr Natalie McVey was re-elected as Deputy Leader and Cllr Daniel Walton was elected as the Vice Chairman.

The Portfolio Holders are as follows:

• Cllr Tom Wells- Community Services
• Cllr Natalie McVey- Housing and Health
• Cllr David Harrison- Planning, Infrastructure and Flooding
• Cllr Beverley Nielsen- Economic Development and Tourism (replaces Cllr Daniel Walton)
• Cllr John Raine- Environment (replaces Cllr Beverley Nielsen)
• Cllr John Gallagher- Resources (replaces Cllr Peter Whatley)

No overall party or group is currently in control of Malvern Hills District Council.

Following the Local Government Boundary review, 31 seats were up for election to represent 18 district wards.

The political balance now stands as 11 Independents, 7 Green, 7 Conservatives, 3 Liberal Democrats and 3 Malvern Hills Independents.

Cllr Tom Wells, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "It is a real privilege to serve the people of our towns and villages. It is vital that the council listens to the views of local residents and that is why I shall immediately set up my Talk to Tom Leader's Surgeries again".

Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/about-your-council for more information about the councillors at Malvern Hills District Council.

Pictured:

Leader Cllr Tom Wells with Deputy Leader Cllr Natalie McVey.

The results are in for the Malvern Hills District and Parish Council elections.

Counting took place at the Bank House Hotel in Bransford, Worcester, today (Friday, 5 May).

Following the Local Government Boundary review, there were 31 seats up for election to represent 18 district wards.

No overall party or group is currently in control of Malvern Hills District Council.

The political balance now stands as:

• Liberal Democrats: 3
• Conservatives: 7
• Independents: 11
• Malvern Hills Independents: 3
• Green: 7
  
  

There was also an election of councillors to the following parishes:

• Alfrick Parish Council (7 seats)
• Bushley Parish Council (7 seats)
• Leigh Parish Council (8 seats)
• Malvern Town Council – Link Ward (4 seats)

The other parish and town councils within Malvern Hills received fewer nominations than seats available, therefore no poll took place.

A by-election also took place in the Malvern Chase Division of Worcestershire County Council following the resignation of Councillor Jack Satterthwaite (Liberal Democrat).

Cllr Malcolm Victory (Green) was elected for the Malvern Chase Division.

The overall turnout was 36.99% for the districts, 35.66% for the parishes and 40.26% for the county by-election.

For the full results, visit the Voting and Elections webpage. 

More than 80 candidates are standing in local elections taking place in Malvern Hills next month.

Voters will go to the polls on 4 May 2023 where 88 candidates will contest 31 seats available on Malvern Hills District Council.

Elections to town and parish councils and the Malvern Chase Division of Worcestershire County council will take place on the same day.

There won't be an election to every town or parish council though as some are uncontested, meaning the number of candidates does not exceed the number of seats available, so there is no need for a vote.

People can find out more about who is standing for election in their area by visiting www.malvernhills.gov.uk/voting-and-elections

The deadline to register to vote for May's local elections is midnight on 17 April 2023. Anyone wanting to vote by post has until 5pm on 18 April 2023 to apply and until 5pm on 25 April 2023 if they want to vote by proxy (sending someone else to vote for you).

Next month's poll is also the first election people will need to show valid Photo ID at a polling station before being allowed to vote.

Residents are being urged to take five minutes to check to make sure they have the right photo ID. If they don't then they have until 5pm on 25 April 2023 to apply for a free voter authority certificate. More information can be found on the elections page of Malvern Hills District Council's website.

Andy Baldwin, Returning Officer for Malvern Hills District Council, said: "These are really important elections that will decide who will represent you and make key decisions about the place where you live.

"Don't lose the chance to have your say. Registering to vote takes about five minutes and checking you have the right photo ID now can avoid issues later on. If anyone has any questions then please do contact our elections team who will be happy to help."

People can contact the MHDC elections team by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or by calling 01684 862200.