‘End of an Era’ as Council Leader Thanks Councillors Ahead of Election

Yesterday saw what could be the final meeting for many councillors, with some not seeking re-election and others perhaps not winning their seat.

The Full Council was the last meeting of its kind to take place for the current administration – with a number of councillors either stepping down or retiring from their seats after the May election.

Depending on the democratic will of the people of Wrexham others may not return due to outcomes decided at the ballot box.

Addressing those present at the start of yesterday’s meeting, Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr John Pritchard said: “Thank you all for your service in the council for the past five years. For those retiring from your seats, I wish you a happy and healthy retirement.”

Council Leader Mark Pritchard described it as and ‘end of an era’ – indicating a number of councillors were retiring from their sets in the coming elections. To us in the Chamber it did appear the number could be more than expected.

He said: “I would like to take this opportunity as Leader of the Council but also on behalf of all elected members here to say a big thank you to all the elected members who have decided not to stand for this coming election.

“I think we all know being a councillor is an extremely difficult and sometimes hard job to do.

“I have been asked by elected members not standing not to name them, so I won’t. But I think it would be very wrong of me to stand here this evening and not thank them – to thank them all who have chosen to become a councillor and for the time served, commitment loyalty and dedication to your community.

“I think we have a calling, all of us in this room, which we want to improve the quality of our community and Wrexham as a place.”

Cllr Pritchard added: “It is the end of an era. Some councillors have been here for a long time.

“Finally I’d say a big thank you and well done off all of us here this evening. A big thank you from the people of Wrexham and your constituents who you have represented in the past. Well done and thank you.”

While there are still a handful of meetings taking place over the next few weeks, yesterday’s Full Council was the last of its kind to take place for the current administration.

On Friday 17th March Wrexham Council formally entered into its ‘pre-election’ period – meaning that Wrexham Council are guided to not publish material which makes reference to individual politicians or arrange any events on behalf of politicians or prospective candidates.

Although in the pre-election period, the general day to day operation of the Council, including the remainder of the meetings continue on as scheduled until the end of April.

This period will continue until after the elections on Thursday May 4th.

Nominations for those who wish to run as councillor for their local area are now open – with prospective candidates having until 4.00 pm on Tuesday 4th April to put themselves forward.

In total there will be 52 councillors elected to represent the 47 electoral wards across Wrexham. In the 2012 local government elections 132 individuals stood either independently or with party allegiance, and we think the figure could top 150 this time around.

The nomination process has now started and anyone considering standing should contact the Electoral Team at [email protected] or telephone them on 01978 292020 to find out the next steps.

For those who aren’t registered to vote but like a whinge about the Council (or would like to support your good local councillor!), you have until April 13th to register to take part in the upcoming elections.

If you’re not registered by then you’ll have to wait five years to have your say in the line-up of Wrexham Council!