A councillor who has served his ward for almost six years has announced that he will not be standing for re-election in 2025.
Conservative councillor David Towns, who represents the Pegswood ward on Northumberland County Council, made the announcement this week but said he had come to the decision some time ago.
Coun Towns, who won the seat from the Labour Party in 2017, said his job had changed and would require more of a commitment.
Read more: Large severance payments made by Northumberland County Council being investigated as 'unlawful'
In a statement, he said: "As some residents will already know, I have decided not to seek re-election in 2025. I made this decision several months ago, as my role at work changed and I took on more responsibility.
"As that role grows, I need to address my work-life balance, and stepping away from local politics is a good way to get a bit more personal and family time back. We've also got significant boundary changes likely to happen which will effectively split the current Pegswood Division in two for the next local elections and therefore the time seems right to let others have a go at continuing to bring about improvements in the local community.
"I will continue to do my best for the Division in the meantime and will not take my foot off the gas until my successor is chosen by the voters."
A spokesman for Northumberland Conservatives said: "We are saddened to hear Coun Towns will not be standing at the next election. David continues to be a very valued member of the group and is well-liked by his colleagues and his residents.
He was voted in once again in 2021, showing the work he had done for his community in Pegswood had not gone unnoticed. We fully understand that being a councillor in this day and age is a huge commitment and we wish David well in the future."
Read more:
- Jill Scott joins Robson Green for paddle boarding adventure in North East BBC series
- Blyth man apologises in court for racially abusing Premier League footballer Ivan Toney online
- Britishvolt: Australian startup tables bid for collapsed North East battery business
- Blyth school to feature on upcoming episode of George Clarke's Amazing Spaces
- Northumberland council leader hits back on £9 million consultancy fees comments
