Cllr Andy Williams elected new Mayor of the City of Wrexham

Wrexham has a new Mayor this evening, as Cllr Andy Williams took on the role for the next twelve months.

Council Leader Mark Pritchard proposed the new Mayor with some warm words, and was seconded by Deputy Leader Cllr David A Bithell.

A vote was held, with the vote unanimously passing the Full Council vote. However, there was just 26 councillors on the floor of the chamber plus Cllr Brian Cameron and Cllr Andy Williams – due to the wider apparently unresolved dispute on how Wrexham selects, elects and nominates for the position.

Council Leader Mark Pritchard proposed a new Deputy Mayor appointment for Cllr Beryl Blackmore, and again was seconded by Deputy Leader Cllr David A Bithell.

The vote again was again unanimous of those present.

As the new Mayor was robed, there was a performance by the Brymbo Male Voice Choir, including ‘The Rose’, ‘Jerusalem’ and Calon Lân.

Cllr Andy Williams thanked the outgoing Mayor Brian Cameron for his hard work, recognising he did a ‘fantastic job’.

Cllr Williams added, “I am a recycled Mayor, as I have done it before and I do know the role. I am looking forward to carrying out my duties.

“My charities this year will be Blood Bikes, Wales Air Ambulance and Nightingale House Hospice, and a new one this year, Guide Dogs for the Blind.

He added, “When we as firefighters go into a building, in thick black smoke and search around, it like a blind person would see. I want to raise money for a new guide dog locally, and call it Blaze.”

The former Mayor, and first ever Mayor of the City of Wrexham, Cllr Brian Cameron detailed highlights of his term, including the historic announcement of the death of the Queen, and the proclamation of the new King. More lightly, he noted some of the interactions with children including being asked ‘do you live a castle?’, ‘are you rich?’, and oddly what iPhone he had.

Earlier he said, “Both the Mayoress and I loved meeting so many people from all age groups and backgrounds, and learning about their work, talents and interests.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the local charities, community groups, schools and other organisations and individuals that invited me and Kerry to share in their successes.

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to meet so many wonderful people, and I can’t express what an amazing experience it’s been to serve as Mayor of Wrexham.

“Thank you to everyone for your support, and I would like to wish my successor Councillor Andy Williams warm wishes for the year ahead – I know he will do a fantastic job.”

In the Guildhall for the ‘mayor making’ ceremony – just over half the councillors here, after what has been a very public dispute on process pic.twitter.com/PgiEcqewkY

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 23, 2023