New Wrexham Council Allegiance Formed & Your Opinions

The ten Labour councillors who suddenly left the party and group earlier this week are to join forces with an Independent Party.

On Wednesday ten Labour councillors, including Council Leader Neil Rogers left the Labour group after their position ‘became untenable’.

Prior to the resignations, the Labour group was the largest majority with 23 councillors.

This morning it was announced that the ten ex Labour members were to join Deputy Leader Mark Pritchard’s Independent Democratic Group. However Cllr Neil Rogers will remain as Council Leader.

Cllr Rogers and Cllr Pritchard said this morning: “We met last night and we all agreed that we would be known as the Independent Group. We will continue to meet today and meetings are further scheduled for next week.”

It was also announced this morning that Gresford Councillor, Andrew Bailey had been elected Leader for the remaining 13 Labour councillors.

Yesterday Chief Executive, Dr Helen Patterson released a statement saying that it is business as usual at Wrexham Council, and that unless decided otherwise at the Full Council meeting later this month, the councillors will continue in their elected roles.

Any change to these political roles will be decided at the next Full Council meeting on September 24.

Since the departure of the ten councillors was made this week, the topic is one that has been a regular debate on social media, with a discussion currently taking place on the Wrexham.com forums.

Speaking about the news, 99DylanJones posted: “It looks like reading the various media article on what has happened that the level of personal snipping and counter statements that are taking place that Wrexham will not have any form of stability until there is an election and let the electorate decide.

“Like any family feud that takes place it can take months sometimes even years before all involved will sit around a table and have a civil discussion. These ‘group ups’ should move away from Playground politics. Each and everyone of them – and I mean both sides should be reported to the Public Service Ombudsman for bring the office of Councilor into disrepute.

“It is no good doing this before the local Standards Committee as they could not possibly be impartial with so many individuals involved.”

The Monitor wrote: “There should be NO politics involved at Local Government level. Councillors should represent, ie. speak for, their respective electorate. Transmitting the views of their electorate for discussion and informing others of the council. Decisions can then be made based not on the political bent of a few men/women, but based upon the views of the many comprising the electorate. Being a Councillor should be a badge of merit, not requiring the payment of substantial expenses.”

Alunh posted: “I know nothing about the internal machinations of the Labour Party in Wrexham but I’m not averse to anything that provides more fluidity in the town’s politics. I would hope that this will mean a local Council that will challenge the Welsh Assembly policies that have adversely affected this town……Secondary Education springs to mind.”

However Wxm added: “Time to dissolve the whole council and it’s management structure and start a fresh. Little if any respect is being given to the community that is served.”

You can view the full thread and take part in the discussion here.