As a Worcester City Councillor, the elected Champion for Personal Safety and Civility in Public Office, and an advocate for ending violence against women and girls, I am deeply disappointed by the comments made by the Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner, Cllr Marc Bayliss during a recent County Council meeting. Referring to the UK’s first female Chancellor of the Exchequer as “Rachel from accounts” is not just dismissive—it is a reflection of the ingrained attitudes that undermine women’s achievements and perpetuate inequality. What makes this incident even more troubling is the eruption of laughter from some of Cllr Bayliss’s supporters in response to his comment. This collective reaction amplified the disrespect, trivializing a historic achievement and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. The entire exchange is available to watch on YouTube (HERE at 2:59:20), providing an accurate and undeniable record of what occurred. For such attitudes to be openly displayed in a public meeting and aired on a public forum by those elected to lead is disheartening and falls far short of the standard of respect and civility that we should expect in public office. This behaviour sends a damaging message to young women aspiring to leadership positions—that no matter how far they climb, they can still be reduced to a stereotype or a dismissive nickname. Words matter, particularly from those in leadership roles. Public figures should lead by example, fostering respect and celebrating progress, not perpetuating outdated attitudes that have no place in modern politics or society. I urge Cllr Bayliss to reflect on the impact of his words and his supporters’ reaction, and to consider how such behaviour contributes to the broader issue of sexism that many women face every day. A sincere apology would be a good first step toward acknowledging the harm caused and committing to better in the future. Let’s ensure that politics in Worcester and beyond is a space where everyone—regardless of gender—is respected for their achievements and contributions.
John Renshaw adds his voice to Cyclist Safety debate
WLD Campaigner and chairman of St Peters Parish Council, John Renshaw featured in the Worcester News this week after footage of a cyclist taking avoiding action after being overtaken hit the headlines. The footage shows the driver passing close to cyclist Dan Brothwell, custodian of the SHIFT scheme and chair of Bike Worcester, during the incident on March 27 last year. The Driver was convicted of careless driving at a hearing following a trial on Monday, January 6 after his car hurtled past cyclist Mr Brothwell at speed, forcing him to take sudden evasive action. John described the daily dangers faced by cyclists including too many motorists watching their phones instead of keeping an eye on the road. John Renshaw says the devices may be a big reason some drivers do not spot cyclists until it is too late. John commented “In 2023 87 cyclists were killed and 3,942 were seriously injured by motorised vehicles on the U.K.’s roads. “While cycling I’ve experienced drivers too busy on their mobile phones to notice me on my bike while another overtook me the moment I indicated I was about to turn right. Cyclists have to put up with examples of this kind of behaviour every day. It doesn’t cost anything to be considerate of more vulnerable road users if you’re behind the wheel.” See the full article HERE
WLD Launches Petition to give people say on May Elections
Alison Morgan, Cathedral, Claines, Jessie Jagger, Jessie's Blog, John Renshaw, John Rudge, John Rudge's Blog, Jon Taylor, Karen Holmes, Karen Lawrance, Karen's Blog, Liberal Democrats, Mel Allcott, Mel's Blog, National politics, Paul Jagger, Press Release, Sarah Murray, Sarah's Blog, St. Nics, Warndon, Warndon Parish North, Warndon Parish South, WLD, Worcestershire County Council
The Worcester Liberal Democrats have today launched a petition calling for the May Elections to go ahead as scheduled after the leaders of the County Council applied to have them postponed. Council Leader Simon Geraghty has faced an enormous backlash after it emerged he had written to the government to seek postponement of the elections with out consulting the rest of the Council, or the public. Many saw the move as an attempt by the Conservative led council to avoid another election in order to keep hold of power for longer after the party was wiped out across the country during the last General and Local elections. Cllr Mel Allcott, as Group Leader of the Unity Group was forced in to writing a letter to the Government underlining that the proposal was not supported by the rest of the council. This was further backed by a letter from the group leaders on Worcester City Council (including Lib Dem Karen Holmes) saying the elections should go ahead as planned. The groundswell of opposition was further bolstered when the Conservatives sole representative on the City council Alan Amos threw his support behind keeping the elections, calling the attempts at postponement as an ‘act of vandalism.’ Despite this, the governments Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon MP released a letter announcing the counties under consideration for delayed elections, with Worcestershire included on the 18 strong list. Then in the last few hours it has been reported that the Council Leaders are considering selling off County Hall due to spiralling repair costs citing after devolution that the site would not be required. In response Mel Allcott was not holding back. ‘Its a joke. The Conservative led Council have proceeded in a truly blinkered and undemocratic manner. They have totally ignored the City and District Councils who have objected to the delay of the elections and are proceeding as if the matter is done and dusted when the reality is far from it. Its utterly unbelievable that they feel they can make decisions without consultation or mandate from the public. Its not a surprise that they wish to run from the ballot box having being embarrassed hugely in 2024, but this will not stand here. We have therefore started this petition to give the people in Worcestershire a chance to be heard. We call on all of those who wish to have their voices heard to please sign and share this petition all across the county. This is not a case of party politics. This is about ensuring that the democratic rights of every person in Worcestershire, as well as the rest of the country, is upheld and protected. No Council should be able to make huge decisions that affect peoples rights in such a manner. Its time that those who think they can undermine these principles learn that they work for their constituents and not the other way around.’ The petition can be found @ https://www.change.org/WorcestershireDemocracy or by scanning the QR code below.
Disagreement over County Council Election postponement forces letter to Devolution MP
Worcestershire County Councillor Mel Allcott has taken the extraordinary step of writing an open letter to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution after the County Council Leader requested to the government that Worcestershire’s County Council Elections be postponed. Cllr Simon Geraghty wrote to Jim McMahon MP, who is overseeing the implementation of the governments white paper on the 8th January before telling a full council meeting that there was “no circumstance” in which Worcestershire’s county and district councils will continue in their current form. However, no public debate was allowed on the subject, meaning that councillors were not consulted or given the opportunity to vote on the proposals. Many saw the move as an attempt by the Conservative led council to avoid another election in order to keep hold of power for longer after the party was wiped out across the country during the last General and Local elections. In her letter, writing in her capacity as Group Leader of the Unity Group at Worcestershire County Council, Cllr Allcott laid out clearly to Mr McMahon that the proposal did not have support from Lib Dem and Labour councillors. She said ‘This is in part because as government you have indicated this will only happen in priority areas who have clear and agreed plans. This is not the case in Worcestershire, so we cannot be in the first phase of the reforms.’ She further pointed out ‘our county is diverse and made up of over 600,000 residents across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Any reform of local government in Worcestershire should follow a period of proper consultation with residents, businesses, elected representatives and stakeholders.’ ‘Looking at the evidence, we should decide collectively what is best for our area. This will take time and should not be rushed through by a conservative administration, following the general election result, looking to prevent losing seats in May 2025 elections.’ ‘Our objective must be to get this right for our residents and businesses. That cannot be achieved if we make rushed decisions that have not been given the serious consideration that they deserve.’ The group leaders on Worcester City Council have also written a joint letter to Mr McMahon setting out their opposition to the county council’s request for postponement of May’s elections. Labour’s Lynn Denham, Green Louis Stephen and Lib Dem Karen Holmes welcomed the proposal to devolve more powers to local communities but say the elections should go ahead as planned. They say in their letter: “Over the past few weeks, Worcestershire County Council has already failed to share information or work collaboratively with us.We were not informed that the county council intended to submit a letter seeking postponement, and the contents of the letter were not shared with us until after it had been submitted. “This most critical matter of local government was not even put on the agenda of the scheduled county council meeting on January 9. This has led to a fundamental breakdown in trust and confidence between partners and leaves us in no position to work collaboratively to submit a local government reorganisation proposal in accordance with the priority timetable. “We cannot accept a continuation of this unilateral approach over the next few critical months. More time, and a fresh political mandate in May, is required. This will ensure that the requirements of the White Paper can be met, in a spirit of genuine co-operation, without the need for subsequent ministerial intervention.” Mel Allcott’s Letter in Full: Dear Jim McMahon MP I am Group Leader of the Unity Group at Worcestershire County Council. I am writing to you in your capacity as Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government). Following the publication of the English Devolution White Paper on 16th December 2024, you will have received an email on 8th January 2025 from the Leader and Chief Executive Officer of Worcestershire County Council. Worcestershire County Councillors have not yet been allowed any public debate on this matter. The Unity Group of Labour and Liberal Democrat Councillors would like to make it clear that we do not support postponing the county council elections scheduled for May 2025. This is in part because as government you have indicated this will only happen in priority areas who have clear and agreed plans. This is not the case in Worcestershire, so we cannot be in the first phase of the reforms. Please also note that County Hall, Worcestershire County Council’s main building, has been completely out of use since June 2024, since legionella bacteria was found. The top floors of the building had been closed since September 2023 due to RAAC in the roof. There is no update on a solution and meeting rooms are booked out at other council buildings for 2025 year. Our county is diverse and made up of over 600,000 residents across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Any reform of local government in Worcestershire should follow a period of proper consultation with residents, businesses, elected representatives and stakeholders. Looking at the evidence, we should decide collectively what is best for our area. This will take time and should not be rushed through by a conservative administration, following the general election result, looking to prevent losing seats in May 2025 elections. We recognise that the government’s white paper sets a clear direction of travel. As Unity Group, we are double hatted councillors for Bromsgrove, Malvern, Redditch, Worcester and Wychavon, five of the six borough / city / districts so have a real sense of what works across the majority of the council. We want to work collaboratively with others to agree how we respond to this. Any changes must be carefully considered, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring that residents and businesses are fully engaged in shaping the future governance of Worcestershire. Our objective must be to get this right for our residents and businesses. That cannot be achieved if we make rushed decisions that have not been given the serious consideration that they deserve. Kind Regards Mel
Team Jagger Welcomes Baby Lili-Rose into the World
Worcester City Councillor Jessie Jagger and her husband and campaigner Paul are delighted to announce the arrival of their daughter, Lili-Rose Jagger. Born at 5:05 am on January 5th at Worcester Royal Hospital, Lili-Rose was delivered via an unplanned C-section after a last-minute change in position during Jessie’s labour. Jessie expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team of community midwives, maternity triage staff, operating theatre team, and post-natal ward staff who provided exceptional care throughout her pregnancy and delivery. “I feel absolutely privileged to live in a country with such excellent care at no cost at the point of use. While we often hear horror stories about the NHS, it’s so important to cheer and thank systems when they work well. The NHS should be praised and protected,” Jessie said. Paul Jagger added a touch of humour to the occasion, joking, “Labour is painful, and doesn’t always work” a playful nod to Jessie’s long labour and perhaps the Labour Party. He also quipped, “I’m just glad I could park to bring my family home,” referring to the recent Green-Lib Dem campaign to improve parking availability for patients at Worcester Royal Hospital. Jessie will be taking a short maternity leave as she enjoys this special time with her new daughter and family. Cllr Jagger has become the first councillor and group leader in the council’s 200-year history to take maternity leave under its Parental Leave Policy for Councillors which was introduced in February 2023 under the joint leadership of Councillor Marjory Bisset and Councillor Lynn Denham. ENDS
Worcester Lib Dem’s Team Back MP’s EU Youth Mobility Scheme
Worcester Lib Dem’s campaigner Jon Taylor and Councillor Mel Allcott have backed a move by Lib Dem MP James MacCleary which is pushing for an expanded youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU. The Liberal Democrats’ Spokesperson on Europe has secured a Ten Minute Rule Bill in the House of Commons on Wednesday(15th Jan). A Ten Minute Rule Bill, presented after question time is a way of introducing a bill’s first reading. The bill is calling for an expanded youth mobility scheme between the UK and EU. After Brexit, UK citizens lost the right to live, work, and move freely through Europe. MacCleary is therefore using this opportunity to start a serious debate on restoring and improving opportunities for young people to live and work in Europe. MacCleary has called on supporters of the idea to contact their MP to urge them to attend the debate on Wednesday and to support the bill calling on the government to negotiate a youth mobility scheme with the EU? In his email, sent via European Movement UK, MacCleary said ‘Not every MP is a pro-European, but we have a new government in place, one that is much more open to Europe and the EU. But it’s up to all pro-Europeans to ensure that the new Government shows the ambition we need when it comes to fixing the UK’s broken relationship with the EU. Where previous governments may have ignored us, we’re hopeful that this government is open to taking positive steps – your message to them can make a real difference in shaping our relationship with Europe’. The more people we can get in the room, the more likely it is that this bill will advance.’ Both Jon and Mel have sent emails to Worcester’s MP Tom Collins asking him to attend the debate and are urging those who support the proposal to add their voice to the campaign by emailing the Labour MP in the hope that that young people in the country may begin to reclaim the rights to live and work in the EU once more. For those wishing to add their voice to request Mr Collins participation in the Wednesday debate, send an email to his parliamentary email @ tom.collins.mp@parliament.uk.
Where is Our Chief Constable? Liberal Democrats Call for Action Over Leadership Crisis in West Mercia Police
The Liberal Democrats have raised urgent concerns over the ongoing lack of leadership at West Mercia Police, highlighting the risks this poses to public safety across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Worcestershire. Sarah Murray, Worcester Liberal Democrats’ spokesperson for West Mercia Police and Crime who was one of the candidates in the Police and Crime Commissioner election in May, has criticised the prolonged absence of a substantive Chief Constable following the departure of Pippa Mills in October 2023. Leadership gaps have been compounded by the bungled appointment of Commander Kyle Gordon from the Metropolitan Police and subsequent delays in initiating a recruitment process. “When will the PCC finally fulfill one of his key responsibilities and start the process to recruit a permanent Chief Constable?” asked Cllr Murray. “To have no stability at the helm of one of the largest geographic police services for over 12 months is unsustainable. This is a real disservice to the people of West Mercia and the hardworking officers and staff who continue to serve and protect despite this chaos.” The Acting Chief Constable, Alex Murray, is set to leave West Mercia for a senior role at the National Crime Agency, leaving Assistant Chief Constable Richard Cooper to temporarily fill the leadership void. Despite this, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion has yet to announce clear plans for a recruitment process, further exacerbating the uncertainty. Cllr Murray added: “We need the PCC to provide clear timelines for appointing a permanent Chief Constable and explain the debacle surrounding Commander Gordon’s appointment. This ongoing crisis undermines trust in the force and the accountability mechanisms designed to oversee it.” The Liberal Democrats are calling for the Labour government to review the limited powers of the Police and Crime Panel to ensure stronger oversight of PCCs, as well as urging His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to investigate the current situation in West Mercia.
Mel Joins Calls to Open Car Parks for Hospital Visitors
Just before Christmas, Worcester Lib Dem’s Cllr Mel Allcott joined the growing calls to open the empty car parks at County Hall to visitors at Worcester Royal Hospital. In an open letter published in the Worcester News, Mel called on County Leader, Simon Geraghty to utilise the space, especially over the Christmas period for friends and family visiting loved ones at the nearby hospital. Mel has previously gone on record stating that Worcester Royal was built too small to service the area and after calls where made by fellow councillors, Mel wrote in her capacity as Unity Group Leader to urge Mr Geraghty to consider utilising the Car Parks to alleviate the car park headache. THE OPEN LETTER IN FULL: Dear Simon Geraghty, I hope this finds you well. I am writing to you in my capacity as leader of the Unity group at Worcestershire County Council. I am requesting you give a gift this Christmas, to the patients at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and their visitors, friends and family. It is particularly difficult being unwell at Christmas and with the hospital car park clearly too small, it is very stressful for patients and visitors arriving, departing and attempting to park at the hospital. I have myself been in that situation on several occasions and fully understand. I am requesting you open the County Hall car park to patients and visitors for Christmas, now until at least the new year, when the situation can be reviewed. It is bad enough that the County Hall building is and has been for some time, closed, out of use. There is absolutely no need for the car park to be, when we know of the desperate need for hospital car park space and an end to the congestion, just a five to ten minute walk away. Many of us who are able enjoy giving gifts at Christmas. Please do right thing this Christmas. Give the gift of car park kindness.
No Compensation for WASPI Women: Government Ignoring WASPI Women Sparks Anger in Worcester
Months after Worcester City Council passed a motion with cross-party support to back the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, the Labour government has announced it will not support compensation for the affected women. The motion, introduced by Liberal Democrat Councillor Sarah Murray, highlighted the devastating impact of state pension age changes on women born in the 1950s. It passed with cross-party support, including backing from Labour councillors demonstrating a shared understanding of the significant injustice faced by these women. Cllr Murray’s motion argued that these changes have not only had a profound effect on the individuals directly affected but have also created a ripple effect throughout the Worcester community. Women unable to retire as planned have been less able to care for older relatives or partners, increasing the strain on local social care. Many women left in poverty are struggling with housing costs, while voluntary services have lost active retirees who could have contributed to local initiatives. In addition, Worcester’s local economy has suffered from the reduced spending power of women born in the 1950s. It is estimated that over 3,000 women in Worcester alone have been impacted by these changes, many of whom are now facing financial hardship due to the lack of adequate notice and support. The council agreed to support a swift resolution to the injustice, including the All-Party Parliamentary Group’s recommendation for an immediate one-off compensation payment to affected women and a formal apology from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The council also called for an urgent parliamentary debate on the recommendations. At the time, Lynn Denham City Council Leader and Labour group leader said: “Changes to pension age is just one of the injustices visited against working women” and suggested that other parties should be the ones to apologise for this. Now Sir Keir Stammer has described WASPI women as a “burden on the taxpayer” The council further mandated its Managing Director to write to local MP Tom Collins, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and the Leader of the House of Commons. The letters outlined the effects of the injustice on the Worcester community and called for urgent action. However, it remains unclear whether Tom Collins took any action or how the government responded. Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Worcester, Mel Allcott, criticised the government’s inaction and called on Tom Collins to explain his role. She said: “The council sent a clear and united message to Westminster months ago, supported by residents across Worcester, yet the government has chosen to ignore it. I want to know: what did Tom Collins do to support the council’s motion? If he didn’t act, why not? And if he did, why has the government ignored him? The WASPI women deserve justice, and our city deserves answers.” Acting Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Councillor Karen Holmes, pointed to the disconnect between central and local government. She said: “This motion was supported by councillors from across the political spectrum, including Labour. Worcester’s councillors recognised the huge social and economic impacts of this injustice, yet central government has chosen to ignore us. The disconnect between local Labour councillors and the Labour government in Westminster could not be starker. This refusal to act undermines trust in politics at every level.” Councillor Sarah Murray reiterated the urgency of resolving the issue: “This is not just about individual women; it’s about the far-reaching impact on our local services, economy, and community. The government must act swiftly to address this injustice before more women die waiting for the compensation they are owed.” The Worcester Liberal Democrats have vowed to continue advocating for Waspi women in the city.
Worcester City Council Makes History: First Group Leader Takes Maternity Leave
Worcester City Council made history last night as Council Leader Lynn Denham extended well wishes to Liberal Democrat group leader Jessie Jagger, who will become the first councillor and group leader in the council’s 200-year history to take maternity leave under its Parental Leave Policy for Councillors. This landmark policy was introduced in February 2023 under the joint leadership of Councillor Marjory Bisset (Green) and Councillor Lynn Denham, the council’s first-ever female joint leaders. The policy was developed to promote diversity in local government, ensuring councillors can balance family life with public service. It provides up to six months of paid leave for councillors who give birth or adopt children, with additional options for shared parental leave and paternity leave. The policy, which aims to make council roles more appealing to younger and more diverse candidates, ensures councillors continue to receive their basic allowance and any Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA) during their leave. Arrangements are also in place to appoint temporary replacements for roles covered by SRAs to maintain continuity in council operations. Councillor Tom Piotrowski was the first to benefit from Worcester City Council’s parental leave policy, taking paternity leave following its introduction in 2023. At Last night’s meeting Council Leader Lynn Denham said: “I am really pleased we now have in place parental leave policy for councillors. She has done an excellent job stepping up to the plate as leader of the LibDem group and I have really valued her contribution during this civic year” Councillor Jessie Jagger has expressed her gratitude, saying: “I want to thank the council for all their support” and also thanked the council for her supporting her motion remote attendance a few months ago which she hopes will “soon be a reality”. She also announced that Cllr Karen Holmes will be serving as Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Cllr Sarah Murray as deputy group leader in her absence. A few months ago, Cllr Jessie Jagger’s motion called for amending the Local Government Act 1972 to allow remote attendance for councillors, ensuring inclusivity for those with caregiving or health challenges. The government, through Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, announced plans to permit remote attendance and proxy voting, with a public consultation launched to finalise the proposals.
