A number of Neath Port Talbot Council members - one with over 30 years of experience - have decided not to stand in this year's local government elections. When Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPTCBC) last week published the names of all the candidates who were standing on May 5, it was revealed that 12 council members will not be running for re-election.
Seven Labour councillors will be stepping down, including long-standing members Doreen Jones and Arwyn Woolcock. Doreen, who has been a councillor for 33 years - sitting on the West Glamorgan County Council before it was disbanded in 1996 - said she feels it is time to hand over the reins.
"I have enjoyed my time in politics," said Doreen, who has been the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Equality for the past five years. I am still a political animal, but I think it is time for change now."
