CLWYD South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed the appointment of the Mersey Dee Alliance's new leader.

Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Mark Pritchard, has taken on the role.

The Mersey Dee Alliance (MDA) is a partnership comprising Cheshire West and Chester Council, Flintshire Council, Liverpool City Region (represented by Wirral Council), the University of Chester, Welsh Government, Wrexham Borough Council and Wrexham Glyndwr University.

The MDA supports strategic economic growth across North East Wales, West Cheshire and Wirral by working to enhance the profile and identity of the North Wales / North West border region.

It also works to maintain and develop the area’s competitiveness, support key business sectors alongside skills, employment and inclusive growth and continue to exert influence to bring about improved economic infrastructure for the region.

Simon Baynes MP said: “The Mersey Dee Alliance is a prime example of how we can and should be working alongside neighbouring areas in England and Wales to strengthen our local economy and bring much needed investment to Clwyd South and North Wales.

“I know from experience of working with county councillor Mark Pritchard in Clwyd South that he’ll do an excellent job of leading the Mersey Dee Alliance and standing up for the people of our region.

"I want to congratulate Mark and wish him the very best in his new role.

"I look forward to continuing to work alongside him to benefit Clwyd South and North Wales as a whole.”