Cllr Andrew Atkinson announces resignation from Executive Board – and as Councillor for Gresford

Cllr Andrew Atkinson is resigning his position from the Wrexham Council Executive Board, and as councillor.

The move was announced during the Executive Board meeting today, and will take effect as of the 31st of August.

Cllr Atkinson had announced his intention to emigrate to Panama – where he is currently on a ‘working holiday’ – and has confirmed he will not be standing for reelection as councillor.

In a statement Cllr Atkinson told Wrexham.com: “I have tendered my resignation as Lead Member for Children’s Services and Councillor for Gresford effective as of the 31st of August 2021.

“I am giving this small amount of notice to ensure a smooth transition for the Children’s Services department.

“I was brought in as Lead Member for Children’s Services at a time of great challenge for the department and whilst there are many challenges ahead I have full confidence in the amazing team of officers that work so hard for our children and young people and it’s been a pleasure to work alongside them.

“My ward work has seen many challenges but the strength of community spirit in Gresford is hard to beat and I wish to thank my residents for their kindness, support and friendship throughout my time as Councillor. I’ve done everything I can to give it my all.

“I want to thank my Executive Board colleagues for their professionalism and dedication it’s been a privilege to work with them.

“Thank you to all councillors for any help or assistance you have given to me over the past few years, I wish you all the best.

“Finally, I’d like to thank the officers of Wrexham Council, what a dedicated and hard working team they are, all focussed on making Wrexham a better place.

“Thank you everyone.”

Speaking at this month’s executive board meeting, Council Leader Mark Pritchard paid tribute to Cllr Atkinson and thanked him for his work over the last four years.

He said: “Can I just put on record and take the opportunity to thank you for your commitment, dedication and the drive that you’ve shown as lead member.

“You went into that area at an extremely difficult time, but you’ve shown commitment, dedication  and I know that the feedback that I’ve had from officers is that you’ve been 100 per cent behind them, showed them help and support.

“So a big thank you for myself and the executive board for all the work you’ve done in that.

“Can I also take the opportunity to share that I’m sure that your constituents residents will be sad to see you leave because you’ve been a fantastic local elected member, and you’ll be a big and a hard act to follow.

“But last not least I hope that your future hold well and yourself, your wife when your children are happy where you are when you emigrate.”

Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Dana Davies added: “I just wanted to wish Cllr Atkinson on behalf of the labour group every happiness in this new life and health and happiness to you and your family.

“I will be giving the leader of council a phone call later because obviously I shared earlier the nervousness within councillors because we’re under regulatory review.

“But from your point of view Cllr Atkinson, we just all wish you well.”