New leader for troubled Wrexham Council
The new leader of Wrexham Council, which has been hit by shock resignations, has been named.
Mark Pritchard, who was previously deputy leader, will become the new leader of Wrexham Council, subject to ratification by the full council.
He will lead the Independent Group of 20 members – now the largest group on the council – which includes the 10 councillors who quit the Labour Group and the party in a row over "interference" from local party "liaison officers". Among them is former leader Neil Rogers.
Mr Pritchard, a Democratic Independent councillor, said a further group of eight independent councillors had agreed to work with the new administration, as well as the five Tory councillors. Negotiations are continuing with Liberal Democrat councillors over joining the coalition, he said.
Mr Pritchard said the priority would be restoring some stability after the turmoil of recent weeks. "We are looking to get some stability and work together in the best interests of Wrexham," he added.
Labour had previously been the biggest group.
