Shan Wilkinson was council leader for four years

Following a meeting of the Labour party on Monday evening, Mrs Wilkinson lost a leadership vote to Gwenfro councillor Neil Rogers.

The former leader said the decision was "not a surprise, it's a disappointment", but added things like that happened following elections.

Labour lost four seats at last Thursday's polls.

Mrs Wilkinson said she had not heard of anybody standing against her for the leadership prior to the meeting.

"It's not a surprise, it is a disappointment. But you do expect these things when we have had a disappointing election result.

"I think our result was due to national issues rather than anything local to Wrexham. But that's politics," she told BBC Wales' news website.

I have worked hard for my ward over the last four years but ....being leader takes up all of your time Shan Wilkinson

Mr Rogers could not be contacted to comment on his new position.

Mrs Wilkinson became a councillor when Wrexham County Borough Council was formed in 1996, and took over as council leader in 2000.

She survived a strong challenge from John Marek's Forward Wales party to keep her Bryn Cefn ward seat, winning by just 14 votes.

She promised to take an active role in scrutinising the council.

"Before I was leader, I was involved in scrutiny and I enjoyed it very much.

"I will also have more time in my ward. I have worked hard for my ward over the last four years but ....being leader takes up all of your time.

"I remember saying to my husband when I was elected I didn't want any [official] responsibilities, I just wanted to work for the community," she said.

Lack of time for constituents had been an issue on the doorstep with constituents, she added.

Neil Rogers' challenged Mrs Wilkinson for the leadership

"I recognise that people in this community want to see more of me."

A decision on the future leadership of the council has yet to be decided, following a sharp rise in the number of independent councillors.

'Principles'

Mrs Wilkinson believed it would take some time for alliances to be formed, saying many independents' political allegiances were "unclear".

The council was previously run by a coalition between Labour, and the Radical group, made up of Liberal Democrats and Independents.

"It isn't automatic that the Labour leader will be council leader," she said.

"I don't think all the independents in the council are going to join the Independent group.

"The Labour group can't just form an alliance with anybody.

"We have political principles and we have been elected on certain promises.