“All of us looking back over 2013 will have special memories.
Best moments for me were the birth of our two gorgeous grandchildren, Keeley and Leo.
That makes it four in total. Their smiles bring joy to the blackest of days. Makes my heart go out to every family with sick children.
2013 was another really tough year for so many people, including working families on low fixed incomes. But it does seem that we may have finally 'turned the corner'. The economy is growing again. In 2010 the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats set aside most of what divided them and formed a Coalition to focus on restoring our national finances after the financial meltdown of 2008.
It was a politically courageous step to take by both Coalition partners. This month's stunningly good jobs figures are a result.
Unemployment in Montgomeryshire has fallen by 25% (from 903 to 681) over the last year. Wonderful news to end 2013 on. Still much to do but the economy looks better than for many years.
Two major decisions due in 2014 which will impact on Montgomeryshire are the conclusion of the wind farm inquiry, and reorganisation of the hospital services in Shropshire. I will find any decision which means a new 400kV goes ahead to be desperately disappointing. And I am determined to ensure the full range of health of NHS services remain at The Royal Shrewsbury, rather than be moved to Telford.
None of us know what 2014 has in store for us. But I am hugely grateful for all the support I've had from Montgomeryshire people over the last year, and I wish them all good health and happiness through the New Year.”