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The time has come for me to say “Thank you-Diolch” for the support given to me over the last decade as your local Member of the Senedd for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. I will not be a candidate in the Senedd elections to be held on May 7, and it is time for me to hand on the baton to others.

It has been the honour of my life to represent you in the Senedd and to have the chance to serve in the Welsh Government. I have never forgotten the fact that these opportunities arise because you supported me at the ballot box. I have tried to offer support through advice surgeries and street surgeries during my time in office. 

There are always challenges in politics but the action taken to support local schools, Flying Start centres, to upgrade the rail network and to provide new trains, keeping free prescriptions and bus passes, introducing reduced bus fares for young people, and action to start making coal tips safer, is important. There were significant case work successes like the refurbishment of properties on the Bryn Carno estate in Rhymney.

I am pleased that now, after many years of patient work, that Caerphilly County Borough Council are progressing the vital work to improve the A469. (Though I am under no illusion that the scale of engineering work required will itself be disruptive for a time). 

Thanks to Councillors and MP

I want to thank the local team of councillors in the Upper Rhymney Valley. They often have a thankless task but I know how strongly they always advocate on your behalf. My thanks also go to current MP Nick Smith and to former MP Gerald Jones for their friendship.

My thanks also to frontline public services and to local voluntary and community groups. They are so often the glue that can hold our communities together. A big thanks goes to the blue light services for working hard to keep us safe.

Constituency Office

Please note my constituency office will close on April 7, though my staff will be around until the end of the month tidying up casework and closing down the office. If you need any advice during the election period then I know that Nick Smith MP is available as normal to offer support.

May 7 Elections

The Senedd election on May 7 is different. There will be a larger Senedd with 96 members and all the members will be elected by proportional representation. It is important that you vote in favour of the party of your choice so they get their share of the six seats in the new constituency now called Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni. I know our Welsh Labour team of candidates are out speaking to people across the new constituency.

One final thanks to Caerphilly Observer. We are lucky to have a local paper that upholds a long tradition of good local journalism. 

All that remains is for me to wish you well for the future. Thank you – Diolch.