THE WORCESTERSHIRE County Councillor elected as leader of the Conservative Group said last week’s local elections sent a powerful political message in the area.
Coun Adam Kent, who represents Wythall on the authority, pledged to put the residents’ needs ahead of national politics.
It comes after Reform UK swept the board across the county, taking 27 seats and leaving the once-leading Conservative Group on 12.
Coun Kent thanked everyone who voted for him to help him hold onto his seat and said he was honoured to be elected as group leader.
“This is a moment for clear, local leadership – grounded in the priorities of our communities. We heard the public loud and clear – many turned to Reform, frustrated with national politics.
“While those elections should have focused on local issues, we understand that people wanted to send a message.”
Mapping out his vision, he said the Conservative Group would focus on collaborative working to deliver practical results.
Among his pledges were to ‘protect Worcestershire’s identity as One Worcestershire Council rather than splitting the county into two’, taking real action on flood prevention and resilience and expanding public transport, including the successful on-demand bus services.
He also vowed the party and council would maintain and improve roads and pavements across the county, back rural communities and support farmers and lead a cross-party drive to recruit more foster carers to improve children’s lives and easing the financial burden on services.
He is calling on all councillors, regardless of party, to actively support fostering.
“Every councillor can help change a child’s future. That’s not only good for the child, it’s good for the future sustainability of our services.
“Here in Worcestershire, what matters most is who will stand up for local residents. That’s what we intend to do — be the local champions our communities need and rebuild our Conservative Group on that firm foundation.
“People want to see continued focus on what matters to their everyday lives — protecting Worcestershire’s identity, investing in roads and public transport, tackling flooding, supporting our rural areas, and standing up for children in care.”
