AM to retire at next election

Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Mick Bates is to step down at the next election.

Mr Bates said he was making the decision purely for family reasons and to enjoy a happy retirement with his wife Buddug, who is retiring from her job as a teacher this summer.

The 61-year-old farmer said: "I handed in my letter to the management committee yesterday and am happy to confirm I will not stand in the next election."

The news has shocked residents and politicians, who today said he had done the area proud in the 10 years he has served on the assembly.

Glyn Davies, who was a Conservative rival to Mr Bates in the Assembly until he was voted out in 2007, said he was sad to see him go.

"Mick has done a lot of good for this area and I wish him all the very best," he said.

"He was a long-term opponent of mine in the Assembly and we served on the rural affairs committee there which I chaired.

"Through this I got to work with him and know him very well. He is a most valued member."

Clive Evans, a resident of Welshpool, said: "Mick always seems to come across very much a man of the people in Montgomeryshire. I like him a lot and will be sad to see him go."