North Northants council leader won't seek re-election
Local elections take place on May 1st
Jason Smithers has announced that he will not be seeking re-election at the local elections on May 1, 2025.
Mr Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, is the first Leader of the authority which was set up as a result of local government reform in April 2021.
On the local authority's website a statement reads:
"Through his leadership, Jason has ensured that the Council has and continues to make a significant investment in local highways, schools, and a wide range of community facilities and services, including the award-winning Chester House Estate.
"Jason has driven the development of strong service and financial performance management, alongside improvements in the working conditions and cultures for the Council’s workforce, all of which are vital for the delivery of quality public services."
A Local Government Association report praised the leadership of the authority along with strategic direction and partnership working
Mr Smithers goes on to say:
"It has been a privilege and honour to be the Council’s first Leader and to serve everyone in North Northamptonshire.
"The Council has made excellent progress in the achievement of its ambitions, and it has been great to be part of this team effort. It has been a pleasure and an honour working with elected members, staff, partners and of course our local communities who are at the centre of everything we do.
"I feel that I have helped get the authority off to a solid start. Now feels like the right time for me to transition into semi-retirement, focus more on my family and on new opportunities ahead.
"My intention from the outset was to do one full term at the Council but this was always subject to making the right progress which I feel has been achieved.
"I would like to thank all those in North Northamptonshire who put their faith in me and who gave me this opportunity."