The by election is taking place because of the death of Health Concern councillor Jim Parish.  Jim was elected as a county councillor for the first time in 2001, when his party was very popular.  Many of those who were elected as Health Concern councillors in those heady years served just one term and did not seek re-election.  They had no conception of the commitment necessary to be an effective representative of the people.  Jim was different.  A diligent representative of the people of Stourport, he served on all tiers of local government, as a town and district councillor, in addition to his terms of office at County Hall.  For the successful candidate on 17th December, Jim’s is a good example to follow.