Wrexham Councillor Resigns From Labour To Become ‘Independent’

Another Wrexham Councillor has decided to quit from being Labour, choosing today to become Independent.

Llay Councillor Terry Boland has put the move down to feeling uncomfortable with ‘processes and procedures’ in the Labour Party, along with the ‘constraints put on by Central Government’.

He has now joined the Independent Group – which became the largest political group in the Council after 10 former Labour councillors moved to the party back in 2014.

Speaking to Wrexham.com about the move, Cllr Boland said: “I took the decision to resign from the Labour Party as a result of feeling uncomfortable with processes and procedures. I will continue to work hard for my Ward in Llay as an Independent Councillor and I still believe there is a lot to be done, but it is getting more difficult with the constraints put on by Central Government.

“There appear to be some individuals within the Labour Party who have their own agenda which I believe is not in the best interests of the people of Llay and Wrexham.”

“I feel I can serve the residents of Llay Ward better by not being told what to do with the constraints of the Labour Party.”

“Also, I do not agree with the proposals by the Welsh Government to reorganise the Councils in Wales, as an example, the combining of Flintshire and Wrexham.”

We also asked Cllr Boland if he intended to resign fully to trigger a new election, with many people back in 2014 when ten Labour Councillors resigned the whip asking why they did not stand for re-election.

Cllr Boland told us: “I have no intention of resigning and re-standing because it is now so close to next year’s elections and we are in a time of austerity, I feel I would be putting extra strain on the finances of the Council. I have also been inundated with support by people contacting me today, not just from Llay, but various other parts of Wrexham.”

Further, we enquired about his public attendance record of just 21%, which he explained: “Unfortunately, due to a very serious foot injury, I was in plaster for six months which meant that I struggled to leave the house with or without support. Whilst at home, I continued to work for the community as I have done not just on the County Council, but prior to my election as a County Councillor, I was and still am a member of the Community Council. I am passionate about the village of Llay.

“I have my phone on at all times for the people of Llay to make contact with me. Unfortunately, with my foot injury came other problems that I have had to deal with, which the Labour Party was always made aware of.

“I would like to compliment the Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Kevin Hughes, for his kind words in respect of my departure in the Daily Post today. I believe that not being part of a political party will now give me more time to engage with the community and I strongly believe that the community comes first. I would like to wish the members of the Labour Party all the best.”

The below screenshots show the update on the Councillor’s official page on Wrexham.Gov.UK through today…