Two Local Councillors Announce Non-Candidacy for Upcoming Election

Two long-serving local figures have declared their intention not to seek re-election in the upcoming local council election. Sam Rumens, who represents Kingsthorpe North on the West Northamptonshire Council, stated his decision to resign from his position during the May 2025 local elections, citing a desire to concentrate on his accountancy profession. Additionally, Corby councillor David Sims, a member of the North Northamptonshire Council, will also vacate his seat following his declaration of retirement from public service. Mr. Rumens indicated that his resignation follows his promotion to a senior director position within his chartered accountancy firm. “The decision has been one I have wrestled for months now,” he said. “I can no longer balance my day job with this public service passion. I cannot do something if 100% commitment is not possible”. Mr. Rumens has served as a Conservative Northamptonshire councillor since 2017 and intends to remain “as involved and active” during his remaining tenure. He stated it had been the “honour of his life to help, work, debate and engage with thousands”. “Though the next few years will be spent focused on my private sector career, I still hold out some hope to return to public service again in the future,” he said. Mr. Sims, a Conservative councillor in Northamptonshire for 17 years, commented that it had been “an absolute privilege and honour to serve such wonderful people”. In the previous year, he departed from the Tory group to affiliate with Labour, explaining that he did not believe the former party prioritized the town’s “best interest at heart”. Councillor Matt Keane, the leader of the Labour group, expressed that he “was so pleased” when Mr. Sims became a member of Labour. “He was a very well-respected councillor and was well known for being a campaigner for Corby,” he said. “I always admired him for how he put his love of Corby above party politics. “David was a very welcome addition to the Labour group and it’s important that his long public service is recognised.” Mr. Sims further stated: “I would like to thank all the people who have supported me through the years, and of course, my wife Daniela and family.”