Ten Labour councillors resign in Wrexham

Ten Labour councillors in Wrexham, including the leader of the council, have resigned from the Party. It is understood that they will all remain on the council, although it is not yet clear how the council will now be run.

At the last election in 2012, 23 Labour candidates were elected onto the council, meaning they were the largest party but leaving them three seats short of a ruling majority. Next week’s executive meeting has been cancelled.

Neither is it entirely clear what has prompted this mass walk out, despite the councillors releasing a joint statement:

“Today our position in the Labour Group has become untenable. Regrettably, it leaves us with no alternative but to leave the Labour Party.

“For many of us it is a very sad day.

“However, we cannot continue to be negatively influenced within the Labour Group on issues that affect the lives of the people of Wrexham.”

“We have informed the Labour Whip and Chair of our decision today.”

Leader of the Council (and now former leader of the Labour group), Cllr Neil Rogers has, however, published a personal statement about the removal of another Cabinet member last week – suggesting that a certain amount of personal politics may be at play here.