ON May 5 we will vote to elect new members of the National Assembly for Wales and, for me, it will mark the end of my term of service as your Assembly member.

It has been a huge privilege to represent the people of Newport West at the Assembly since it was established in 1999, on the backbenches and as a Cabinet Minister and Presiding Officer.

I was also a member of Newport City/Borough Council between 1973 and 1999 and during that time I served as Committee Chair, Deputy Leader and Mayor.

In total I have had the honour of working for the people of Newport, my hometown, for 43 years.

Wales is a notably different place since its people voted for devolution 17 years ago. We have seen advancement in education, health, the environment, industry and culture with the Assembly introducing a number of ground-breaking bills and acts to improve the way we live.

The National Assembly for Wales is a transparent model for democracy, its workings are easily accessible for the people to view, comment and actively engage with.

I have found it enormously enjoyable and interesting to welcome large numbers of constituents, school children and groups to the Assembly since 1999.

If you have not yet visited the Senedd I hope you will do so in the near future.

Despite the national and international economic downturn over recent years, Newport West can face the future with confidence. It has received strong support and investment from the Welsh Government and the close collaboration between Cardiff Bay and the local authority is achieving positive results.

The opening of Friars Walk last November has given the city centre a huge boost and the input from companies such as Admiral, Airbus and Next Generation has significantly raised the profile of the city as a place to do business.

The decision to select Newport as the host city for the NATO Conference in 2014 vastly contributed to its international recognition..

After May 5, I assure you I will continue to fight for the interests of the city I’m proud to call my home. Although I will no longer be your elected representative I will continue to work for Newport in other ways. I am confident that, together, we will see our city evolve, prosper and continue to grow in confidence.

Thank you once again for all the support you have given me over the past 17 years.