SIR,

Following last week's council election result and although disappointed at the result, I would like to thank the electorate of Raglan for giving me the opportunity of being their representative for the past 21 years.

I enjoyed serving the people of Monmouthshire and particularly the privilege to have been the leader of the council.

Monmouthshire County Council has been one of the most progressive councils not only in Wales but in the UK, and has received many accolades from Government and Assembly ministers in such areas as business engagement, recycling and education to mention but a few. Other councils now look with envy and seek to imitate Monmouthshire's lead.

I cannot, however, allow this time to pass with out expressing my disquiet at seeing the council back in the turmoil of a hung council, and the county heading for further Tory losses at General and Assembly elections.

This, as everyone knows, is due solely to the interference from unelected party officials who have absolutely no mandate what so ever to meddle in the running of our county.   This must stop.

I should congratulate my successor and hope she enjoys her tenure on the council and derives as much satisfaction from the job as I have.

Wm Andrew L Crump

(Former Councillor, Raglan)