It’s not yet clear exactly what the leadership of the city council will look like over the next four years - but we know Labour will play a big part in it.

Last week’s election, the first in the city in which all 35 seats were up for grabs, left Worcester under no overall control.

But Labour will be the biggest party in the Guildhall with 17 seats - just one short of an overall majority - so the party’s manifesto is likely to play a major part in shaping Worcester’s immediate future.

This could be with Labour and Green Party joint leaders as we had last year, a Labour minority administration or potentially even a Labour coalition with the Liberal Democrats.

City Labour group leader Lynn Denham has already put in a motion to do away with joint leaders and go back to having a leader and deputy, not necessarily from the two biggest parties on the council.

In terms of what we know Labour has promised Worcester, the party's city council manifesto 2024-2028 centred on five themes. It's worth looking at them as the make-up of the city council has now been set for the next four years, unless we get a by-election.

Helping you through the cost of living crisis

Labour says it will provide extra financial support through a council tax support scheme, as it looks to provide a safety net for those most in need.

It promises to lobby to prevent holiday hunger for children, tackle rogue landlords through the planning process and campaign to keep libraries open.

Economic growth for everyone

Labour’s manifesto talks about implementing fair employment practices like the Real Living Wage, establishing benefit societies and co-operatives, and providing a fair chance for small, local businesses to bid for city council contracts.

It also talks about helping independent businesses and community enterprises to take over empty shops.

Creating a healthier and great place to live

Labour commits to increasing the rate of affordable housing and maximising “every opportunity to bid for national funding to increase investment into our city”, as well as continuing to improve connections between the city centre and the riverside.

The party wants to establish a Riverside Park friends group and volunteer warden scheme, and to work with the Canal & River Trust and Severn Trent to improve water quality.

The manifesto also mentioned “bringing back first-class rugby to the city” as well as supporting the development of Worcester City Football Club.

Taking back our streets and getting the NHS back on its feet

Labour’s proposals include developing a food action plan, which would promote healthy eating, reduce food waste and extend allotments.

It also wants to roll out the Purple Flag accreditation to other areas to create a safer night-time economy, improve youth services and work with NHS leaders to reduce hospital admissions.

A sustainable city for now and future generations

Labour pledges to lobby for better public transport, in particular more reliable bus services, and to launch bicycle hire schemes.

It says it has a plan for the introduction of a food waste collection service, wants to put more solar panels on public buildings and explore the use of the River Severn as a source of energy.