Torfaen MP Paul Murphy will be standing down at the General Election in May after representing his constituency since 1987. The former Welsh and Northern Ireland Secretary shares his pictures with HAYLEY MILLS.

1. Campaigning in Cwmbran with my nephew Daniel in 1992. It doesn’t seem like long ago, but Daniel is well into his twenties now, so I must be a fair bit older now too! I’ve always liked speaking to people around the valley, whether campaigning in surgeries or at local events. That’s the great thing about our parliamentary system – even if you’ve got a big ministerial job, you’re still also dealing with local issues in your constituency, and if you think Mrs Jones’ leaking roof is any less important than Government business, you’ve got a nasty surprise coming your way!

2. With Mo Mowlam in Northern Ireland in 1998. This picture really captures Mo’s character in a way that makes me smile. In the negotiations during the peace process, we had to deal with some pretty tense situations – matters of life and death – but Mo could always make people smile and break the tension. She was an inspirational boss and a good friend. The memories I have of working with her in Northern Ireland to help secure peace, and especially of the warmth of people there, will stay with me forever.

3. With Rhodri in Swansea City’s new stadium in 2007 (Sorry Cardiff and Newport fans!). Rhodri was elected to Parliament at the same time as me, and we shared an office as part of the ‘M4 gang’ of new Welsh MPs. My side of the office was always much tidier than his, but we struck up a good friendship. That was important when I was Secretary of State for Wales and he was First Minister – we worked together based on mutual trust and respect, in order to resolve any disputes between the two Governments in the formative years of the Assembly. I wasn’t always a fan of devolution, but in recent years, looking at what the Tories are doing in England has made me glad that we have a Government in Wales that values public services and can protect us as much as possible.

4. In Pontypool Park in 2010. I won’t claim to be the most ardent rugby fan in Wales, but our beautiful park in Pontypool always reminds me of my father taking me to watch my first game. My parents have been the biggest inspiration for my political life. My father worked at Blaenserchan colliery and then at British Nylon Spinners (later ICI Fibres), and my mother helped run a shop in the village. They both worked hard all their lives and were determined to give me the opportunities they never had, like going to University. Without their guidance, I would never have been able to lead the life I have since.

5. At the Launch of the ‘Seren – supporting Wales’ brightest’ hubs in 2015. Since leaving Government, I’ve been able to take up issues that I care deeply about, like how we can help our brightest students get into the top universities. I was therefore delighted to be asked to become the Oxbridge Ambassador for the Welsh Government, and produced a report last summer on how we can help provide more support and encouragement before and during the application process. Speaking at the launch of the pilot scheme of hubs earlier this year, it was good to see the Welsh Government acting on my recommendations. Young people often get bad press and we sometimes lack self-confidence in Wales, but the pupils I’ve spoken to across Wales are as bright as anywhere.