Wrexham Council's lead member for children's services has today announced his resignation.

Cllr Andrew Atkinson, who represents the Gresford ward, addressed a meeting of Wrexham Council's Executive Board from his current base in Panama, Central America, some five thousand miles away.

Panama is currently on the Welsh Government's red list of countries at high risk of Coronavirus and people are advised to travel there only for essential purposes. Anyone travelling back to Wales from there must first quarantine for ten days in a Government-approved hotel in either England or Scotland.

Earlier this month he told the Local Democracy Reporting service that he was currently on a working holiday in South America with his family, with a view to emigrating there. He has been working and attending meetings remotely.

The move was challenged as the council's children's services department is currently facing close scrutiny from Care Inspectorate Wales, which identified 'significant concerns' last September.

Today Cllr Atkinson told Wrexham Council's Executive Board that he had tendered his resignation and that he would be leaving the council on August 31.

He said he wanted to ensure a smooth transition and he thanked council officers and councillors for their dedication and their work to make Wrexham a better place.

He said: "I was brought in at a time of great challenge and, whilst there have been many challenges, I have full confidence in the amazing team of officers here and it has been a pleasure to work amongst them.

"I would like to thank residents for their support and kindness. I have done everything I can to give it my all."

Council Leader Cllr Mark Pritchard said: "Thank you on behalf of myself and Executive Board for your commitment and dedication and the drive that you have shown as a lead member.

"You went into that area at an extremely difficult time but you have shown commitment and dedication.

"I am sure your constituents will be sad to see you leave. You have been a fantastic local member and you will be a hard act to follow."

Cllr John Pritchard said: "I want to wish Andrew and his family all the best in their new venture."

Cllr David Griffiths said he would miss sitting opposite Cllr Atkinson and being able to bounce off each other and he wished him well for the future.

Meanwhile, Cllr Dana Davies said she wanted to wish Cllr Atkinson all the best for his new life in Central America on behalf of the Labour group.

Cllr Atkinson previously stood for the Conservatives at the 2015 and 2017 UK general elections, coming second to Ian Lucas on both occasions.

He also ran for the Welsh Senedd in 2017, coming second to Labour rival Lesley Griffiths. He was elected as a Gresford councillor in 2017.

In a recent post on the Gresford News Facebook page, Cllr Atkinson announced that he would not be standing for re-election at next year's local elections but that he would still be available to answer residents.

Wrexham Conservative Association have supported Cllr Atkinson's decision to work from abroad. Chair Jeremy Kent said Cllr Atkinson was a "hardworking and committed councillor" who should be credited for continuing to work while in South America.

Council Conservative group leader Cllr Hugh Jones also lent his support to Cllr Atkinson, saying he had informed both himself and the leader that he was on leave and was currently carrying out his duties while abroad.