Long-standing Kettering councillor stands down after 40 years of service

Conservative Cllr Terry Freer, who represented St Peters, has stood down having first been elected in 1976.

In a letter to fellow councillors, Mr Freer said: “I wanted to drop you a line to let you know that I have decided that it is time for me to retire from the borough council.

“That has not been an easy decision to reach but it is one I know is right.

“Over many decades I have enjoyed the company and support of councillors of all parties and of our officers.

“There have been times where we have not all agreed but that is inevitable because of the passion we feel for the borough and its citizens.

“I owe a special thanks to my ward councillor running mate, Mary Malin, who has been a friend and confidant for more years than both of us would care to remember.

“I am not vanishing and will no doubt bump into people, but I think it is time for me to pass on the baton to someone else while I enjoy more time with my family.”

The council plans to mark Terry’s long service to the community at a future council meeting.

A Kettering Council spokesman confirmed that there would be a by-election after Cllr Freer’s resignation on March 24.