CLAINES was, for quite a long time, a stronghold for the Liberal Democrats come election time before the Conservatives began a surge that culminated in the ward completely flipping to Tory. Conservative James Stanley, who won one of the three positions representing the city-edge ward by 237 votes in 2016, has passed on his chance to stand for re-election in Claines and instead will be fighting in Gorse Hill where is hoping to bag a place on both Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council at the expense of Labour. The interesting move means there is now a chance for a new face to represent Claines on the city council.