This will be my final Leader’s Life column because, by the time you read this, I will have stepped down as Leader of Gloucester City Council – but, at the time of writing, my successor has not been confirmed.

It has been a huge pleasure to be Leader for the last 12 years, to write for The Local Answer for the last eight years and to see how it has grown. I’ve never struggled to find something to write about – which shows just how much is going on in the city.

A useful way of letting people know what is happening in the city

It’s been a really useful way of letting people know what is happening and seeking their views on important issues – whether it is regeneration, the environment or culture. I do get quite a lot of people contacting me or speaking to me about my articles, so I know that they actually do get read!

On one occasion, someone wrote to me asking why we didn’t make more of Gloucester’s most famous son, Button Gwinnett. To be honest, at that point I’d never heard of him! A little research soon uncovered that he was the second signatory of the US Declaration of Independence who was born just outside Gloucester. Pinning down exactly where we should have a physical commemoration of his life has been difficult – but I think we now have the answer! This is just one example of where this column has made something happen.

We have achieved a lot over the years

I’m proud of what we have achieved together over the last decade or so – recovering from the terrible floods of 2007, bringing in almost £1 billion of investment in regeneration including Gloucester Quays and a new bus station, and hosting the Rugby World Cup. Lots more is in progress, from Kings Square to The Fleece and government money to improve Westgate Street.

My passion for the city is as great as ever. I’ve got lots I still want to achieve for Gloucester before I step down from the Council in May and beyond. Thank you for all your support over the years. On behalf of the City Council, I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas and everything you wish for in 2020.