THE Mayor of Wrexham led tributes to council chief executive Ian Bancroft as he attended his final council meeting before he steps down at the end of December.
Mayor Beryl Blackmore, councillor for Marford and Hoseley, thanked the departing chief executive for his service since 2018 – particularly his support in guiding the council through the Covid pandemic.
Mr Bancroft will officially leave the authority on December 31, with the council working to appoint an interim CEO for six months while they conduct a thorough search for his replacement.
“Today marks the end of a very important time for our chief exec,” she told the Wrexham Council’s final meeting of 2024 this week.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Ian Bancroft, who will be leaving his post at the end of this month.
“This thank you comes from all of the groups on my behalf. Ian joined us in 2018 and served as chief exec through some very tough times, particularly through the Covid pandemic.
“He helped us navigate our way through those dark days using his experience and leadership skills to keep our services running and our communities safe.
“This was an incredible achievement and something we will always be thankful for.
“Ian has also helped usher in something of a golden time for Wrexham. Under his guidance Wrexham has achieved city status, been a City of Culture finalist and benefited from millions of pounds of government investment to help regenerate our city centre.
“Wrexham has achieved so much during Ian’s time as chief exec and he has played no small part in ensuring the county borough has a bright future.
“Thank you Ian. Your professionalism, talent and guidance has meant so much to the council and to Wrexham as a whole. We will miss you.”
Councillors in the chamber rose to applaud Mr Bancroft before Ruabon Cllr Dana Davies, leader of the Labour Group, offered additional thanks.
“I’d like on behalf of the Labour group to wish the chief executive all the best and to remind him that a previous chief executive did come back to this chamber as an elected member so there might be something to consider there.”
Erddig Cllr Paul Roberts, leader of the Conservative group also paid tribute to Mr Bancroft.
“I’d also like to thank Mr Bancroft for all his endeavours over the last few years through very difficult times.
“I wish him and his family well and wish him good luck in whatever he wishes to pursue.”
