Wrexham Council set to re-run search for new Chief Executive after first choice stays put

Wrexham Council have failed to get their number one target for the currently vacant permanent Chief Executive post, and will be looking to re-advertise for the position.

It is understood an appointment was close last week, however the Black Country based target opted to remain where they were, rather than venture north and take the helm at Wrexham Council.

Options then were to either look to the runners up in the process, re-run the process confined to those on shortlists, or re-run the whole appointment re-advertising for the role.

Wrexham.com was awaiting an announcement on the decision late last week, with it due to be before the Full Council meeting today for formal approval.

On Monday we noticed that Item 11 of the Council agenda was to present a report over the Appointment of the Chief Executive, but the report did not exist publicly. We asked Wrexham Council if as of Monday an appointment had been made, and if the process had stalled why that was. We were told no report was available but the other queries were unanswered.

Hours before the meeting the item was still listed on the Council’s website, again without a public report.

The Full Council was told by the Mayor early on that “Item 11 has been withdrawn” as the relevant appointments committee was ‘not in a position to report to this meeting’.

Questions have previously been raised over the cost of the whole appointment process, which was anticipated at being in the region of £14,000 – £20,000.