WREXHAM residents in three areas will get the chance to choose new councillors to represent them next week.
Following the election of three serving Wrexham County Borough councillors to the Senedd there will be by-elections in Acton and Maesydre, Grosvenor and Queensway wards.
The candidates elected will take their seats in the Guildhall and help make decisions on crucial matters including how much Council Tax you pay, how that money is spent and how many aspects of everyday life including planning, housing, education and more are managed.
It’s an important job, so candidates have all been asked to provide some details to introduce themselves to you – the electorate – so you can learn more about those who want to represent you.
Residents in the three wards who are registered will be able to cast their votes between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, June 18.
In Acton and Maesydre polling stations will be set up at Acton Resource Centre on Overton Way and the Quaker Meeting House on Holt Road.
Voters in Grosvenor will find their polling station at the Salvation Army building on Garden Road.
Those casting their vote in Queensway can do so at the Caia Park Partnership on Prince Charles Road.
Here’s a brief introduction to the candidates for each ward. (Where candidates are only named, no additional information was provided).
Acton and Maesydre
Jan Davey – Reform UK
For more than 20 years Jan has run her own business in Wrexham in the care industry.
She says that experience shaped the way she works.
“If elected, I will focus on the issues that matter most to local people: safer, cleaner streets, firm action on anti-social behaviour and standing up for local families and community services,” she said.
“Residents deserve to feel proud of where they live and confident that the council is on their side. It’s time for a fresh start and a representative who will work hard, speak up and deliver results.”
Salli Edwards – Welsh Labour
Salli Edwards has lived in Wrexham for almost 20 years. She has served on Acton Community Council for a number of years and spent most of her working career in the charity sector specialising in advice and support services.
If elected, she says she will work tirelessly to listen to residents, champion local issues and ensure we have an environment and local community to be proud of.
Richard Everall – Plaid Cymru
Richard Everall has lived in Acton and Maesydre for over 30 years, rasing his family and serving in the Fire and Rescue Service. During his career he also represented members through the Fire Brigades Union at both local and national level, gaining experience in committee work, negotiation and advocacy.
“I am excited to have been chosen as Plaid Cymru’s candidate for Acton and Maesydre,” he said.
“I have a good understanding of local education provision and the issues that matter to residents.
“If elected I will continue the work Becca Martin was doing to ensure local people have the opportunity to have their voices heard.”
Alex Jones – Independent
Will Martin – Welsh Conservative Party
Wrexham born and bred, Will Martin stood in the Marchwiel ward in the 2022 Wrexham Council elections and was the youngest candidate in that campaign.
Currently a Brymbo Community Councillor for the Brymbo Ward, Will has a strong passion for local politics inspired by his success and hard work within former Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes’ Parliamentary Office.
Natasha Lesley MORRIS – Green Party
Beatrice Elizabeth WILLIAMS – Welsh Liberal Democrats
Grosvenor
Graham Bannister-Kelly – Green Party
Consultant radiographer Graham is both a clinician and an academic, having taught across the Midlands, Scotland, Wales and Canada.
He has lived near Wrexham for almost a decade.
“The Green Party has always aligned with my views for the future of this country,” he said.
Jon Billington – Plaid Cymru
Jon Billington, a 16-year resident of Rhosddu who has worked at Airbus for 27 years, is currently a member of Rhosddu Community Council.
“I want to become county councillor to continue Marc Jones’ hard work in the ward,” he said. “Together with the wider Plaid team in Wrexham we can achieve great things for this ward.
“I already deal with matters such as fly-tipping, getting trees cut back, streetlight repairs and drain clearing. These are daily issues in our ward and I will continue this work and more should I be elected.
“I care deeply about our community and would be honoured to continue serving local people as their county councillor.”
Gerald Martin Craddock– Welsh Liberal Democrats
Brendan Murray – Welsh Labour
Brendan Murray has lived in the Grosvenor ward for 23 years. In 2022, he was elected onto Rhosddu Community Council.
Since joining the community council, he has supported a number of council initiatives including the funding of the Citizens Advice outreach programme and the recently launched youth provision programme in Garden Village.
If elected, Brendan would work to hold the council to account and make sure they are delivering for the people of Grosvenor. He will focus on parking, littering, anti-social behaviour and ensuring residents have a community they can be proud of.
Philip Penk – Reform UK
Philip Penk spent 27 years with BT as a Technical Officer and later worked abroad installing mobile systems before returning to the UK, working in a children’s hospice before retraining as a bookkeeper.
A gymnastics and athletics coach, he is a trustee of the FDF – formerly the Flintshire Disability Forum – helping disabled people access benefits. He also served seven years as an Esclusham Community Councillor.
“I am committed to strengthening community facilities, supporting young people, improving digital access and enhancing local services and safety,” he said.
Sam Regan – Independent
Businessman Sam owns the Lemon Tree on Rhosddu Road and is chair of destination management partnership This Is Wrecsam,
“I’m standing because I want to be useful,” he said. “A friendly face who turns up, listens properly and gets stuck in. If residents give me the chance, I’ll be fully committed, easy to get hold of and out on the ward every day.”
“My focus would be getting roads, parking and traffic right, taking an honest look at how the recent town centre changes are working. Getting the right housing mix, delivering cleaner, greener streets and backing our town centre businesses and the jobs they support.”
Martine Richards – Wales Your Party
Mum of three Martine Richards lives in Grosvenor ward with her family.
“I am acting chair of governors at a local special school,” she said. “I have two boys with complex additional learning needs and believe every child has the right to the best education.
“I have plenty of experience dealing with the local authority and Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board. I am passionate everyone should have access to the best public services.
“I will not vote for service cuts or excessive council tax hikes, I will fight to end HMOs and replace them with council housing, take action over congestion on our streets and end education cuts to properly fund ALN.”
Beth Alexandra Vaughan – Welsh Conservative Party
Queensway
Robbie Green – Reform UK
Robbie Green is 31 and has was born and raised in Wrexham.
In work since leaving school at 16 he says he is proud to call the city home.
“I left school at 16 and have been serving local people for over 15 years working for Wrexham Council in waste management and as a delivery driver.
“I know Wrexham street-by-street and understand the issues residents face every day. I want to be a strong, local voice for working families and our communities.
“I will fight for cleaner, safer streets, action at Maelor Hospital over parking and services, better value for taxpayers, fair support for council housing and honest, approachable representation.”
Morgan Peters – Welsh Labour
Morgan Peters grew up in Caia Park and has always given up his time to improve the area.
“For me, local politics isn’t about party politics – it’s about people,” he said. “It’s about improving local services, supporting residents, and making sure Caia Park is a place we can all be proud of.
“From a young age I’ve given my time to volunteering here, whether that’s been supporting young people through activities and opportunities, helping older residents stay connected and feel part of things, and as a Caia Park Community Councillor.
“Fairness, inclusion, and making sure everyone has a real chance to thrive – these aren’t just values I talk about, they are what drive me.”
Geoffrey Charles Sutton – Welsh Conservative Party
Lucy Jennifer Sutton – Green Party
Physiotherapist Lucy is a former Team GB kayak racer interested in tackling the causes of health inequality.
She believes that by tackling poor air, dirty rivers, poverty and pollution can Wales build a healthier and more well population
Pol Wong – Plaid Cymru
Having grown up in Coedpoeth and Caia Park, Pol Wong says he understands the challenges facing residents and is committed to ensuring local people have a strong voice at the Guildhall.
“It is a privilege to have been selected by Plaid Cymru to represent our area in this by-election,” he said.
“I have got to know many people across Wrexham through my work with Queensway’s previous Plaid Cymru councillor Carrie Harper. I am standing up for our area to make sure we continue to have a strong voice at Wrexham Council.
