Senior councillor currently on ‘working holiday’ in Panama announces intention to emigrate
A high profile Wrexham politician has 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.
Cllr Andrew Atkinson stood for election as Member of Parliament twice and Member of the Senedd once, before being elected councillor for Gresford in 2017.
Over the last four years he has held two Lead Member portfolios on Wrexham Council – most recently Children’s Services.
In a social media post to residents in his ward Cllr Atkinson announced: “As a family we’ve made the decision to emigrate, the plan is to move next year so I wanted to let you know clearly that I definitely won’t be seeking re-election.”
“If anything changes on this holiday and it looks like it would make more sense to stay on then I will let you know straight away and would then have to resign as your councillor.”
“It’s been an honour to serve as councillor for Gresford and 99% of you have been absolutely amazing Not standing again has not been an easy decision but I hope it’s one you can support me with.”
“You’ve been so supportive of me and an incredible village to represent. I’ll keep you all posted with what’s happening with us but any help you need please email me as normal.”
Speaking to Wrexham.com from Panama over 5000 miles away Cllr Atkinson invited ‘any questions’, pointing out he is being ‘very upfront’ with his situation, while noting it is personal family decisions being made.
We pointed to his comments about a ‘working holiday’ and asked if he aimed to come back to the UK, and if so how likely is it that won’t happen and your stay would become permanent.
Cllr Atkinson told us: “There is a chance we could stay, if that happens then I will resign as Councillor and Lead Member”.
View this post on Instagram
As questions have been raised over a ‘working holiday’, we asked why he has not just taken a holiday like councillors often do?
Cllr Atkinson said, “Because I’m being dedicated, I’m more than happy to take a proper holiday if that’s what is being suggested.”
Last September Care Inspectorate Wales said “concerns have escalated from serious to significant” over children’s services provided by Wrexham Council – Cllr Atkinson’s portfolio – we asked if he could adequately address those concerns as lead member while in Panama knowing you will be emigrating shortly?
Cllr Atkinson said: “Children’s Services is unbelievably important and I’ve been extremely dedicated to the role and worked really hard. If we did stay to answer your hypothetical question then I’d be very sad to leave the role but it’s not an option to stay on.
“I know that Cllr Pritchard will find the right person to replace me and that the department will be supported. If I did resign then even after that point I will happily support a new lead member in my own time to ease a transition and help the department.”
With the news emerging of the eventual emigration, the common question appears to be “why Panama?”.
Cllr Atkinson said, “Because it’s the right choice for us as a family.”
Spotted something? Got a story? Email [email protected]
