AS a proud Newportonian, it is an honour to be elected to serve the people of Newport West.

Thank you to everyone who voted and put their trust in me.

I have big shoes to fill, but I will work hard to represent all residents in Newport West.

Over the past year I have thoroughly enjoyed speaking and meeting with so many of you.

Listening to your hopes and concerns is vital.

This is something I will continue to do. Your priorities are important to me and I am determined that your voices are heard in Cardiff Bay.

It’s been a whirlwind start at the Assembly.

We had shenanigans from other political parties in selecting a first minister.

From my perspective this was particularly frustrating when there is so much to do, such as tackling the challenges that face our steel industry. People want to see politicians coming together to solve problems – not headline grabbing.

Let's get on with it.

In the First Question Time to the first minister I raised concerns around air pollution and the congestion in Newport. Action must be taken.

Being active in the constituency is crucial to me.

I was delighted to be asked to open St Mark’s House in Gold Tops. Run by the National Autistic Society, it supports autistic adults to learn practical skills such as social skills, carpentry and retail.

Importantly, the aim is to give people the best possible chance to be independent and live the life they choose. The local team are fantastic and I hope it will benefit many for years to come.

I also had the pleasure of joining thousands of local school children to listen to the National Orchestra of Wales at the Newport Centre. For most of the children it was the first time they had heard a live orchestra.

It was an incredible experience and I’m sure it inspired some to take up a musical instrument or sparked a lifelong love of music.

Congratulations to Cllr Debbie Wilcox on her new position as leader of Newport City Council and Jeff Cuthbert on being elected as Police and Crime Commissioner.

I look forward to working with them both in the best interests of the people of Newport.

I’m in the process of setting up a constituency office. If you have any concerns or queries I can be contacted at Jayne.Bryant@Assembly.Wales / 0300 200 7104 /07970752561