'Football clubs like Wrexham are the heartbeat of local communities'

MP for Wrexham

For decades, under Labour MPs, Wrexham has languished under the shadow of neglect, characterised by stagnation, and missed opportunities. But in 2019, the people of Wrexham chose a different path by electing me as their first Conservative MP in history. Gone are the days when we were simply known as ‘spice town’.

Since then, Wrexham has become Wales’ newest city with:

• £160million Investment Zone

• £20million Towns Fund

• £23million Shared Prosperity Fund

• Soon to have the largest industrial estate in Europe

• Secured the future of Hightown Barracks

• More jobs than jobseekers

Central to our success has been the unprecedented support of the Conservative Government that is delivering for Wrexham, and I was keen to champion Wrexham’s progress in the House of Commons with the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP. I am delighted to have played my part in working with the Conservative Government to put Wrexham on the map.

Indeed, the recent news that inflation has now fallen to 3.4% serves as yet another testament to the success of the Conservative Government’s policies and the resilience of our economy. The Prime Minister pledged to half inflation, from its previous high of 11.1% in October 2022.

I will continue to lobby the UK Government and Welsh Government on behalf of Wrexham and my constituents to ensure that Wrexham makes the most of exciting opportunities and our growing potential. To watch my question to the Prime Minister, click on the ‘News’ section of my website: www.sarahatherton.org.uk.

However, the UK Government’s commitment to Wrexham does not stop here. From Conservative Government action, Wrexham Football Club and its fans are set to benefit from the creation of an Independent Regulator following the introduction of the Football Governance Bill. The proposals for establishing an Independent Football Regulator stem from various challenges confronting the sport, such as club relocations, the formation of the European Super League, and significant changes to club identities, all of which have emerged without prior consultation with fans.

Having worked closely with the football club since my election, securing multiple visits from UK Government Ministers and raising the club’s success in the House of Commons, I know that this will be strongly welcomed. Football clubs like Wrexham are the heartbeat of local communities, with thousands rallying each week behind our local team. Having experienced the electrifying atmosphere and cheered alongside passionate fans on numerous occasions from the sidelines, it’s always a guarantee of an exhilarating matchday.

It is clear to see that the club and our local community has benefitted from the global reach of Hollywood, with the club recently welcoming the Prince of Wales and shirts being worn in Wrexham by fans from the USA!

Many clubs aren’t as lucky as ours. The Independent Football Regulator will ensure that fans have a stronger voice in their club. This will protect clubs’ financial stability, preserves their heritage, and champions fans across all tiers. On top of this, the regulator will also oversee requests by club owners to sell the club or relocate the stadium and introduce baseline standards for fan involvement in key off-field decisions such as club heritage.

The Conservative Government remains steadfast in its commitment to fans, paving the way for a brighter future for both supporters and our cherished local clubs.

I was delighted to recently join the crowds in Queen’s Square to see one of the two free performances from Tom Walker. There was a real buzz, and it was an excellent start to the weekend. Thank you, Tom, for sharing your talent with Wrexham!

Lastly, I would like to congratulate Vaughan Gething on becoming Wales’ new First Minister. Having called on the new First Minister to repeal the disastrous 20mph policy, I will also be writing to the new Labour Cabinet Ministers on health, housing, education, and flooding, all of which the Welsh Labour Government are responsible for, to fight for Wrexham.

If you are a resident in the current Wrexham constituency boundary and need my assistance with any local or national issues, please contact me on: sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk.