Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies will step down at the next general election, after taking what he describes as a “difficult and emotional” decision to retire from frontline politics.

A statement from Mr Davies issued this week confirmed that he will not put himself forward as the Parliamentary candidate at the next General Election, currently expected in 2022.

Unless a snap election is called in the meantime, it will bring down the curtain on a 12 year stint as MP for Montgomeryshire, and he said representing the area of his birth had been an “honour and a privilege”.

“Montgomeryshire is where I was born and have always lived. It’s my home and I cannot imagine living anywhere else,” he said.

“Deciding not to contest the next General Election has been a very difficult and emotional decision. I’m the only person who can take this decision, and the current uncertainty in politics tells me it’s the right time to step aside, allowing whoever my successor will be the freedom to become established.”

Mr Davies took the seat from Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Opik in 2010 with a majority of just over 1,000, the first time the seat had been held by a conservative member since 1979.

At subsequent elections he defeated current Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds with a majority of 6,000 in 2015, which he increased to 9,285 at the 2017 election.

“To secure a majority of 9,285 at the last Election was beyond my wildest expectations,” he added.

“I have successfully contested the last three General Elections, taking just over 40 per cent of the vote in 2010, 45 per cent in 2015 and almost 52 per cent in 2017. That’s a lot of stress over a long period.

“Unlike many MPs and their respective associations, I have always enjoyed the support and friendship of the Montgomeryshire Association officers and members, even through the current Brexit turbulence. And I’ve had the professional support of Pam, James and Julie within my office who have helped with constituent’s problems and issues.

“The next General Election may not be held until 2022. I shall continue to do all I can to help constituents who come to my office for help, and continue to stand by commitments I’ve made when asking voters to support me.”

Mr Davies began his political career in 1974 with Berriew Community Council, and two years later was elected to represent the village on the Montgomeryshire District Council. During his 13 years as a District Councillor he served as the chair of the planning and finance committees, before becoming chair of the District Council.

In 1999 he was elected as one of the first intake of Assembly Members, representing Mid and West Wales for eight years.