THERE will be significant changes to Wyre Forest’s representation on Worcestershire County Council with senior Tory members announcing they will not stand for re-election.

The nominations for those contesting the nine seats available at County Hall during the May election have now been published.

As expected, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion will not defend his Bewdley seat with the Tories putting Wyre Forest District councillor Rebecca Vale up in his place.

But it also emerged that Stephen Clee – who has represented the Chaddesley ward for 18 years – will not be vying for a sixth term as he seeks to spend more time travelling. He confirmed he will stay on as a Wyre Forest District and Bewdley Town councillor.

Wyre Forest District Council leader Marcus Hart has been chosen to fight for the Chaddesley seat for the Conservatives. The party has selected current Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Tracey Onslow to try to keep hold of Councillor Hart’s current St John’s seat.

Councillor Clee said: “I have travel plans and would like to do more of that than I have been able to do recently.

“I told the Conservative branch that I was going to step down from the county council when I came back from a trip to Australia two years ago.

“I have been a county councillor for 18 years but involved in county politics for more than 20. I have also held a cabinet role for Corporate Services for nine years so I think it’s time to step back and let others take it on.

“I have enjoyed it and will remain on the district and Bewdley town councils as politics is in my blood. But I’m looking forward to no longer having the county commitments.”

Another Conservative not standing for re-election is Tony Muir, who currently shares the seat with Health Concern’s John Thomas. Councillor Thomas is on the nomination form.

Elsewhere veteran Liberal Democrat Fran Oborski councillor will defend her St Chad’s seat while current Kidderminster Mayor and Health Concern councillor Mary Rayner stands again in the St George’s and St Oswalds ward.

Gordon Yarranton, who quit the Tories to become an independent, will face Wyre Forest deputy leader Ian Hardiman for the Cookley, Wolverley and Wribbenhall ward.

Nigel Knowles, Wyre Forest Labour leader, is amongst Anne Hingley’s challengers for the St Barnabas seat while Nathan Desmond will defend St Mary’s.