New mega Independent Group join forces with Conservatives to run Wrexham Council

The newly formed Independent Group has teamed up with the Welsh Conservatives to form a ‘new’ administration.

The move means that the two groups combined have enough councillors to take control of Wrexham Council.

The newly former Independent Group has 21 members, and the Conservatives have 9 – meaning together they have 30, over half the seats on the 56 strong council.

Labour, with 14 councillors, were hopeful and held what appeared to be extensive talks with the Independent Group.

However a deal failed to materialise.

In a statement to Wrexham.com the new alliance confirmed they have reached the agreement to form an administration for the next 5 years – the full life of the forthcoming council period.

Although there are several new councillors in both of the groups, this is not the first time that the independents and conservatives have come together to form an administration.

The statement said: “This agreement provides a stable and experienced partnership of Elected Members to build on and continue the work which has been carried out over the previous 5 years.

“This is an exciting time for Wrexham where we have some major investment projects like the World Heritage Site, Wrexham Gateway, National Museum of Football, City of Culture and Wrexham AFC aspirations to reach the football league and a purpose built 5,500 seated stand with prospects for international football returning to Wrexham.”

Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Independent Group and Councillor Hugh Jones, Leader of the Conservative Group said: “We are pleased to have reached a workable agreement to run the Council for the next 5 years and we will continue to build on our success.

“We will work tirelessly to address the many concerns which have been raised from our communities across the whole County Borough.

“We will continue to work with all Elected Members, all Groups and Community Councils for the benefit of the residents of Wrexham County Borough”.

With the control of the council appearing to be resolved, the process now moves to deciding who gets what portfolio on the Executive Board, and what the political balance of committees works out to be. Various Chair positions and membership of committees will also have to be agreed across the council, with a tight deadline ahead of the Mayor Making on the 24th and the formal business of appointments on the 25th.

Top pic: Most of the new mega Independent Group on Monday, and the pictures of the new Conservative group who will be joining them.