THE recent passing of Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Councillor Keith Reynolds, elicited tributes from across the political spectrum.

A common theme was of the pure decency of Keith, he was a gentleman.

Councillor Reynolds served his constituents in Aberbargoed with dedication for almost four decades. I served with Keith as a fellow Labour councillor for over a decade, then as a fellow cabinet member before Keith became leader of the council.

He was incredibly supportive of his colleagues. In fact he was there to offer advice and support for any member of the council.

When I was elected as the Assembly Member for Islwyn Keith was always there for me. In the whirl of modern political life I knew I could pick up the phone and Keith would be there to discuss things with.

I shall miss him greatly.

My thoughts are with Keith’s wife, Sheila and their family. As we approach another election with vigorous campaigning let Keith’s example show that you can stand up for your beliefs without diluting your common decency and integrity. 

The UK Government’s defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon MP visited Oakdale to underline the importance of Wales to the UK’s armed forces. General Dynamics’ UK base is housed in Oakdale. They have been awarded a £330 million contract by the Ministry of Defence to develop a next-generation battlefield communications network for the British Army.

The contract will create 125 jobs as well as securing another 125 jobs. High quality jobs and high quality investment must be what all levels of government strive for at every opportunity. 

I joined with fellow Labour AMs and MPs to hold a consultation event with local businesses, academics and residents to discuss what Caerphilly and Merthyr County Borough Councils need from the £1.2 billion Cardiff Capital Region City Deal.

The City Deal is an initiative developed in partnership with the Welsh Government, UK Government and ten local authorities in South East Wales. The aim is to improve the economic performance of our valleys communities.

Alongside the director of the Bevan Foundation Victoria Winckler I was delighted to have discussions with key Islwyn businesses such as General Dynamics and Hawker Sidley Switchgear.

Whatever you think of Brexit we now have to ensure that we support our major industries in the challenges that lie ahead, including using our own steel.

The Cardiff Capital Region City Deal with the planned South Wales Metro affords an opportunity to reimagine the South Wales economy.

It is imperative that high quality jobs are created in the valleys. Not all roads should lead to Cardiff.