TRIBUTES have been paid to a council stalwart and former Mayor of Newport, who is retiring from public life after 36 years.

Labour ward member for Shaftesbury Cllr Bob Poole is not standing again in next month’s local government election.

Cllr Poole served as mayor in 2002, and hosted a visit from the Queen and Prince Philip as part of her Golden Jubilee tour of the UK.

Speaking at the final meeting of the council’s cabinet before next month’s election earlier this week, leader Cllr Debbie Wilcox paid tribute to her colleague.

“To reach your record of 36 years in public service is outstanding,” she said.

“Most of us have had enough after four years.”

Calling Cllr Poole “a credit to your city”, Cllr Wilcox said she was particularly envious of the opportunity he had to host the Queen and Prince Philip in 2002.

Cllr Poole, who also served as the council’s cabinet member for regulatory functions in the current administration, said it had been a “huge decision” not to contest his seat this year, but he felt “the time is right” to step down.

“It is time to say goodbye,” he said.

“It has been very enjoyable and it has been a way of life I don’t regret having.

“I have had a tremendous time, my time as Mayor was out of this world.”

Running for the two Shaftesbury seats next month are Paul Cockeram and Herbie Thomas for Labour, Carol Bader and Michael Duncan for the Conservatives, Khushbir Bhullar and David Rice for the Newport Independents Party and Joe Crocker for Ukip.