Council Leader To Formally Appoint New Lead Members – Will ‘Mentor & Support’

Next week Wrexham Council will be formally notified of the Council Leader’s picks for Lead Roles, who has noted that he has ‘every confidence in every Lead Member’.

The report before councillors on Tuesday 20th June is an information document, so no vote is needed for the filling of the positions.

Wrexham.com asked Council Leader Mark Pritchard yesterday if he was able to speak about his picks and why they were suited to each role. Cllr Pritchard explained he would be addressing the meeting next week in that manner, but did make some wider comments on the process.

Cllr Pritchard said” “I would say I have to go along with the group leaders of all the groups on who they nominate to go on the Executive Board. That is not in my gift, that is the way it is.

“Even though it is out there it is my decision I work closely with the other groups to make sure that between the groups that we have a consensus of agreement that we put the right individuals in the right place to deliver the best for Wrexham.

Cllr Pritchard indicated he had seen some comments on various social media over the Executive Board line up and noted that ‘everyone has to start off somewhere’.

He added: “Some of these new Lead Members don’t have experience in some areas but I was the same many years ago. All politicians that come into certain areas don’t have experience and don’t have knowledge but if they are clever enough or intelligent enough they can adapt to it. I have every confidence in all the Lead Members.

“We will support them, help them and mentor them. That is what we do here, we work together.”

We spoke with one new lead member who told us they are gaining ‘invaluable guidance’ from various Council staff and colleagues, saying they were ‘very happy with the support’ they are receiving in the early days of their new job, but recognised a ‘steep learning curve’.

The full report can be viewed here, that has a full break down to Lead Members and the roles and responsibilities of their portfolios.