Mr Bercow pledged to be impartial

Conservative backbencher John Bercow has won the race to become the 157th Commons Speaker.

The Buckingham MP received 322 votes to his rival and fellow Conservative MP Sir George Young's 271.

Mr Bercow was "dragged" to the chair, a tradition for the new Speaker. A message will now be sent to Buckingham Palace for approval.

He will replace Michael Martin, who stepped down after nine years in the job amid the furore over MPs' expenses.

Mr Bercow said MPs had bestowed on him "the greatest honour that I have enjoyed in my political life".

'Process of change'

He pledged to cast aside his political views and be "completely impartial as between members of one political party and another".

And he said while the House of Commons had to reform, he believed most MPs were "upright, decent, honourable people" who had not come into politics to "feather their nests" but for public service.

I continue to believe the vast majority of members of this House are upright, decent, honourable people John Bercow Profile: John Bercow

He was welcomed by Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, in short speeches in the Commons chamber.

Mr Brown congratulated him and said in the election process the House of Commons had taken an important step in the "process of change".

He said it was an opportunity for the House to "begin a new chapter" with a new Speaker.

Mr Cameron told him: "We share a collective responsibility for what went wrong, we share a collective responsibility for putting it right."

And Mr Clegg told Mr Bercow he had a "mandate for change" and urged him to get on with it.

The new Speaker Elect will not formally take up the role until after an Approbation ceremony later, when the Royal Commission assembles in Lords, Black Rod is despatched to the Commons, then MPs led by the Speaker Elect walk to the Lords chamber when the Queen's approval is given.

Opposition parties and campaigners have condemned Gordon Brown's decision to hold an independent inquiry into the Iraq war behind closed doors.

Tory leader accused Mr Brown of "an establishment stitch-up", while the Lib Dems threatened to boycott the "secret" inquiry.

John Miller, whose son Simon was killed in Iraq in 2003, said private hearings would be marred by "lies and deceit".

But others argued that closed proceedings would be more effective.

Tory MP, who was part of the Butler inquiry into the intelligence that led to the Iraq war, backed the prime minister's decision.

"Everybody who came in front of us... was able to speak frankly and they were able to say what part they had played in this bit of intelligence or that," he told the BBC.

"I don't think we could have done as good a job for the country as we were able to do if we had to sit in public."

'Full and candid'

The inquiry will start in July and take at least a year to complete. It will cover the period from July 2001 to July 2009 and be chaired by civil servant Sir John Chilcot.

It will not seek to "apportion blame", the prime minister said, but will aim to identify "lessons learned".

The government had been urged to hold it in public, but Mr Brown said privacy would ensure that evidence given by politicians, military officers and officials would be as "full and candid as possible".

Mr C accused the prime minister of reneging on promises he made just a week ago to introduce a "new era of democratic renewal" and make politics more transparent.

"The inquiry needs to be, and needs to be seen to be, truly independent and not an establishment stitch-up," the Tory leader said.

Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell rejected claims that a public enquiry would cost too much, insisting it would be "well worth the money if it stopped us making the same kind of mistake again".

The present leader, Nick Clegg, who has threatened to boycott any private hearing, said it would be possible for a public inquiry to handle sensitive information by hearing some sessions on an exceptional basis behind closed doors.

Mr Clegg told the BBC: "This, remember, was probably the biggest foreign policy mistake that any government has made since Suez.

"It's very important the the process by which we learn the lessons from that is open - the process of doing it is almost as important as the conclusions themselves."

'Day of reckoning'

"This would have been a great moment for Gordon Brown, who has said he wanted more openness and transparency in politics, to show he meant it."

Several of Mr Brown's own Labour MPs also spoke out in favour of full disclosure.

Gordon Prentice said he was "not prepared to accept a secret inquiry into Iraq", while David Hamilton said there needed to be a "day of reckoning" which could only come about through public proceedings.

Their feelings were echoed by relatives of those killed in Iraq.

It will give us some sort of government narrative that can then be picked apart Maj Charles Hayman Armed Forces UK

Mr Miller said that without apportioning any blame, the inquiry could not possibly deliver any real answers.

"To be honest, I could write on the back of a stamp what you would learn from this inquiry and that would be lies and deceit," he told the BBC.

But Maj Charles Hayman, editor of Armed Forces UK, said the inquiry would bring significant facts "into the open".

"It's not going to go as far as most people would have wanted, but it will certainly open the Pandora's box to the whole of this Iraq problem," he said.

"It will give us some sort of government narrative that can then be picked apart."

Discredited claim

Sir John Chilcot, 70, is a former permanent under-secretary of state at the Northern Ireland Office who sat on the Butler Inquiry into the intelligence on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

Also on the panel are former diplomat Sir Roderick Lyne, crossbench peer Baroness Prashar and historians Sir Lawrence Freedman and Sir Martin Gilbert.

The reasons for going to war in Iraq - including the now discredited claim that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction which could be used within 45 minutes of an order being given - have been a source of long-standing controversy.

Two inquiries - the Hutton and Butler inquiries - have already been held into aspects of the Iraq war.

The Butler inquiry looked at intelligence failures while the Hutton inquiry examined the circumstances leading to the death of former government adviser David Kelly.

In 2008, the government defeated Conservative attempts to force a public inquiry, saying it would be a "diversion" for UK troops serving in Iraq.

In February, Justice Secretary Jack Straw vetoed the publication of minutes of cabinet meetings discussing the legality of the war in the run-up to the invasion.

Mick Bates was a science teacher before becoming an AM

The Liberal Democrat Mick Bates has announced that he will not stand at the next Welsh Assembly elections in 2011.

Mr Bates, the AM for Montgomeryshire, had a majority of just under 2,000 votes at the last assembly election.

The 61-year-old said he had made the decision now in order to give the local party time to select a new candidate.

He said his decision was influenced by his wife, a school headmistress, taking early retirement. He also said he wanted more time to "shear the sheep".

Mr Bates said his decision had nothing to do with the recent European election results and said it had been "on the cards for a long time".

"It's been planned for a long time and making this announcement before the summer is ideal - it allows the local party to get their selection process together and gives the new candidate a chance to settle in before winning the seat at the next Assembly election," he told BBC Wales.

"People are drawing conclusions from recent events - including the European election results - but it's been on the cards for a long time. My wife is retiring from her job and 2011 is an ideal time for me to go.

I hope that I have helped farmers build their businesses and I hope that I have played a role in promoting rural Wales Mick Bates

Mr Bates had a hip replacement last year, but he denied that his decision to stand down is anything to do with his health.

"I want to spend more time with my family - I'd like to see more of my grandchild and I'd also like a bit more time to shear the sheep," he said.

"I've just come in from shearing now - it's a big job!

He said he had loved his 12 years at the assembly, particularly when the Liberal Democrats were in the partnership government with Labour.

"I like to think that I used my expertise to help the farmers of Wales," he said.

"I hope that I have helped farmers build their businesses and I hope that I have played a role in promoting rural Wales.

"There are lots of issues over disillusionment and disconnection with politics but I'd like to think that I have been of genuine service to my constituents."

Mr Bates was elected for Montgomeryshire to the Welsh Assembly in the first assembly elections of 1999.

At the last election in 2007, he had a majority of just under 2,000 votes with 39% of the vote. The Conservatives were in second place.

'Legacy'

Kirsty Williams AM, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, paid tribute to Mr Bates as "a tremendous assembly member".

She added: "He has worked incredibly hard for the people of Montgomeryshire and has been a crucial member of the Liberal Democrat team in Cardiff Bay.

"His work on sustainability and rural issues has been crucial in driving forward policy in those areas.

"His lasting legacy will be free school milk, the Farming Connect Scheme and a commitment to sustainability that runs through the national assembly's work."

Mr Bates is the chairman of the assembly's sustainability committee, which deals with environmental and rural affairs.

A former science teacher, his interests include sport, painting and walking. He likes music, especially Bob Dylan.

The first race will start at 1820 BST on 18 June

The opening meeting at the first new turf racecourse to open in Britain for more than 80 years has sold out.

Around 8,500 race-goers have bought tickets for the fixture at Ffos Las near Trimsaran in Carmarthenshire.

Almost £30m has been invested in the development over 600 acres on a former opencast mining site.

The course said interest in the first of eight meetings to be staged there this year on 18 June had surpassed all expectations.

General manager John Williams said: "People have been desperate to experience this fantastic new racecourse.

"I would appeal to everyone without a ticket not to come to the racecourse because there will be no admission for them."

He said as well as the general admission areas, all hospitality and the restaurant were full.

Ffos Las has three tracks and will cater for flat racing, hurdles and chase events.

It has been a long wait and many hurdles have had to be overcome, but it has been well worth it Meryl Gravell, Trimsaran councillor

Eight fixtures are scheduled for 2009 with 16 next year on dates to be confirmed.

The first race starts next Thursday at 1820 BST although the gates will open at 1300 BST with racing from Royal Ascot being broadcast live on big screens.

Race horse owner and millionaire Dai Walters who runs a plant hire, civil engineering and earthworks company, is behind the venture.

Plans to develop the site were first put forward almost a decade ago and work finally started in 2007.

He has described Ffos Las as his "gift to Wales."

It will employ over 100 staff on race days.

It is managed by Northern Racing, which operates nine other courses in the UK, including Hereford, Sedgefield, Newcastle and Chepstow, which is home to the Welsh Grand National.

Carmarthenshire Council leader Meryl Gravell, who is the councillor for Trimsaran, said: "Ffos Las is a very exciting development which will bring tremendous benefits to the surrounding communities and to the whole of Carmarthenshire.

"It has been a long wait and many hurdles have had to be overcome, but it has been well worth it."

Wales has four MEPs and people vote for a party, not individuals

Voters are heading to the polls to cast their ballots in the European parliamentary elections.

Wales has four MEPs and people vote for a party rather than individuals. The four main parties are fielding candidates as are seven smaller groups.

Polling stations opened on Thursday at 0700 BST and close at 2200 BST.

Labour, the Conservatives, Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats are all putting forward a full team of candidates for election.

Voters mark the ballot once with an X besides the party they are supporting.

Along with the four main parties, there are also a full team of candidates from the British National Party, the Christian Party of Wales, the Green Party, the Jury Team, No2EU: Yes to Democracy, the Socialist Labour Party and the UK Independence Party.

At the last European election in 2004, Wales voted for two Labour MEPs, one Conservative and one Plaid Cymru representative.

Some 41% of registered voters turned out last time around. That was an increase on 1999, when the turnout was 29%.

Most voters will cast their ballot at a local school or hall as usual. However, people are increasingly applying for postal votes.

Polling stations

If they had not been sent by Thursday, they were too late to post. However, people can still hand in the completed postal vote to a polling station.

There are also a number of more unusual polling stations. These include a car sales office in Merthyr Tydfil, a hairdressers in Ebbw Vale, the conservatory of a private house on the Lleyn Peninsula and a pub at Rhuallt Hill in Denbighshire.

Though voting closes on Thursday night in the UK, the votes will not be counted and the results will not be declared until Sunday night.

This is because different EU states vote on different days. UK elections have historically been held on Thursdays.

Ireland goes to the polls for the election on Friday. Countries such as Portugal, France and Germany do not vote until Sunday.

The 27 member states of the European Union will be voting to send 736 MEPs into the parliament.

The European Parliament has a range of powers including over workers' rights, international trade, economic development and the environment.

Alan Butt Philip says Wales is stronger when working with the rest of Europe

Welsh Liberal Democrats have stressed their "positive" approach, as their biggest campaign for a European election entered its last days.

Meeting farmers at Welshpool cattle market, lead candidate Alan Butt Philip said all the issues discussed could only be dealt with at a European level.

He said a "pro-active approach to Europe" was the "only sensible option".

Welsh Lib Dem leader Kirsty Williams said the party was focused on "making Europe work better for Wales".

Mr Butt Philip hopes to become Wales' first Welsh Lib Dem MEP when the results of Thursday's Europe-wide poll are declared on Sunday night.

Joined by local AM Mick Bates, Mr Butt Philip met Farmers' Union of Wales president Gareth Vaughan and other FUW members.

Mr Butt Philip said the "the economic, environmental, and of course agricultural policy issues that impact upon farmers here in Montgomeryshire and across Wales" had all been covered in the discussions.

We know that the positive vision we provide, of a Wales stronger for being part of Europe and poorer apart is shared by many Welsh people Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader

"All of the issues we discussed, such as sheep ID tagging, CAP reform and market regulation can only be dealt with effectively at a European level, so it's vital that the interests of Welsh farmers are understood and properly represented in Brussels," he said.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats have a positive view of Wales stronger for working with Europe and... when you consider an industry and way of life such as farming, it's clear that a positive, pro-active approach to Europe is the only sensible option.

"For farming to thrive in Wales we need the right support, right policies and the ability to trade freely and fairly across the European market," Mr Butt Philip added.

Ms Williams said the Welsh Lib Dems had "campaigned harder and smarter than ever before".

'Dangerous criminals'

"We know that the positive vision we provide, of a Wales stronger for being part of Europe and poorer apart is shared by many Welsh people, not least those who work in industries or sectors to whom Europe is the market in which they trade or operate," she said.

She said Mr Butt Philip had met businesses "frustrated" that Welsh Assembly Government coalition partners, Labour and Plaid Cymru, were "wasting huge sums of European money on pet projects instead of investing in transport or IT infrastructure".

For farming to thrive in Wales we need the right support, right policies and the ability to trade freely and fairly across the European market Alan Butt Philip, lead Liberal Democrat candidate

"Alan has met with green and sustainable technology professionals who look to Europe, not Westminster or Cardiff, for the leadership on climate change and peak oil that Wales urgently needs," she said.

"And Alan has met with people across Wales who are happy that 900 dangerous criminals have been removed from the UK and 300 brought back here to justice, because of the European arrest warrant.

"People are angry because of the behaviour of the two establishment parties in Westminster and they see that the Welsh Liberal Democrats are focused on real reform and making Europe work better for Wales," Ms Williams added.

'Out of touch'

Responding for Labour, Wales Office Minister Wayne David said: "First Minister Rhodri Morgan recently launched the latest strategy for sustainable living and Environment Minister Jane Davidson is setting the standard when it comes to low carbon homes and construction.

"European funding is being used to regenerate communities across Wales (and) in the ProAct and ReAct schemes we are providing funds that are keeping people in work and preparing the Welsh workforce for the future".

Mr David accused the Lib Dems of being "clearly out of touch with the reality of modern Wales".

Labour working at all levels to deliver high-quality jobs at what will be an excellent facility Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy on plans for a military defence academy

Plaid Cymru lead candidate and MEP Jill Evans said: "The Lib Dems can't even agree amongst themselves [as] only two weeks ago the Scottish Lib Dems were praising the Plaid-led ProAct scheme as a 'targeted, innovative measure'.

"In the assembly and in Europe Plaid are delivering for the people of Wales.

"We have innovative proposals to connect Wales with an improved transport network and high-speed broadband."

Meanwhile, Labour's lead candidate Derek Vaughan and Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy visited St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, the proposed site of the new military defence academy.

Mr Murphy said the plans were "great news" for the local economy and the armed forces thanks to "Labour working at all levels to deliver high-quality jobs at what will be an excellent facility".

Accusing Ms Evans of opposing the new jobs, he challenged all Plaid candidates to "make clear for once and for all" if they backed the training academy.

But, campaigning in Cardiff and Neath, Ms Evans said "the collapse in Labour's vote is evident, and their desperate attacks don't fool anyone, especially not the voters".

"They have not forgotten the Iraq war or the banking collapse, even in the midst of the furore around expenses which has so damaged the London parties."

"Plaid's confidence in winning two seats in Thursday's election in Wales grows day by day, and there is no doubt we will defeat Labour in seats across Wales."

'Real difference'

The Conservatives launched a new "transparency drive" in Europe, including on MEPs and European commissioners' expenses and on EU budgets.

The party was canvassing in Monmouthshire and, like her Labour opposite number, Conservative lead candidate for Wales Kay Swinburne was in the Vale of Glamorgan.

She discussed economic regeneration with Tory councillors at a meeting in Barry after visiting the Liberty Stadium and National Waterfront Museum in Swansea in the morning.

Dr Swinburne said: "Our campaign has been focused on what Europe can do to make a real difference to people's lives.

Stressing the importance of Thursday's elections, she added: "They are about how political parties work in Europe and back in Wales to protect jobs, support the economy and regeneration, protect the environment, and stand up for consumers."

Mr Clegg said MPs resigning over expenses should not get a large pay off

MPs who stand down after expenses revelations should not be entitled to large tax free pay-offs, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has said.

Since stories about expenses claims began, 13 MPs have said they will stand down at the election, although three say they are going for health reasons.

They will be entitled to a pay-off worth up to a year's salary of £64,000 depending on their age and experience.

Mr Clegg said there was "no reason" some should get the tax free reward.

Under current rules, Conservative MP Julie Kirkbride could receive a pay off of about £32,000 while Labour's Margaret Moran could get £54,000 - by way of the "resettlement grant" which is only paid to MPs who leave at a general election.

Dry rot

On Thursday both women announced their intention to step down at the next general election - Ms Kirkbride had faced a series of allegations.

She and her husband - the Tory MP Andrew MacKay - had both claimed for a second home. He had already announced his intention to quit.

ESTIMATED PAY-OFFS Ben Chapman: £36,269 Derek Conway: £64,766 Christopher Fraser: £32,383 Douglas Hogg: £59,585 Julie Kirkbride: £32,383 Andrew MacKay: £64,766 Ian McCartney: £64,766 Margaret Moran: £54, 403 Anthony Steen: £32,383 Peter Viggers: £32,383 Ann Winterton: £38, 860 Nicholas Winterton: £32,383 Source: BBC estimates for resettlement grants, based on length of service and age The great Commons clearout MP Cash 'not intending to quit' MPs Kirkbride and Moran to quit MPs' golden goodbyes

Ms Moran was under fire for claiming £22,000 to deal with dry rot at a home that was neither in London, nor her constituency.

The resettlement grant varies between MPs as it is based on years of service and age.

According to the Ministry of Justice the current cost of the alternative - a by election should an MP stand down - is £70,000 - £80,000, depending on the size of the constituency.

Mr Clegg, who has also called for voters to be able to sack their MP, said: "I can see no reason why an MP who is sacked or decides to stand down should be rewarded with a big, tax-free, lump sum payment.

"This money is intended to help people who are suddenly voted out of office," he said.

"Anyone else who decides to quit their job of their own accord can make arrangements for themselves. MPs should get a leaving card, not a cheque for tens of thousands of pounds."

Ms Moran said she had done nothing "wrong or dishonest" in her claims - she has repaid the money and has always said she stuck to the rules and had it cleared with the Commons fees office.

Ms Kirkbride said until the row blew up it had not occurred to her she had done anything wrong but said she wanted the Conservatives to have a "great result" at the next election and had to take into account "the effects on my family" of all the media coverage.

Mr Clegg called for the "total reinvention of British politics"

MPs should be blocked from taking their summer holidays until they agree sweeping changes at Westminster, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has urged.

Writing in the Guardian, Mr Clegg called for radical reform of members' expenses, party funding and the electoral system within 100 days.

His intervention comes in the wake of the prolonged row over MPs' allowances.

Mr Clegg said politicians should "bar the gates" at Westminster "until the crisis has been sorted out".

The proposal follows weeks of revelations in the Daily Telegraph, which has obtained details of all MPs expenses over a four-year period.

FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE More from BBC World Service

In the wake of fresh reports, Tory MP Sir John Butterfill has agreed to repay £20,000 in tax and mortgage payments, much of which was claimed from public funds towards staff quarters in his home.

And under-pressure Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride has also defended her decision to re-mortgage her second home by £50,000 to fund an extension.

Greater powers

In Mr Clegg's article, he argued that the moment for change would be lost if MPs left for the summer recess without having pushed through fundamental reforms.

He set out his plan to achieve the "total reinvention of British politics" through agreements on party funding and constitutional change.

Mr Clegg said that in the first fortnight, MPs would agree to accept whatever reforms to expenses were brought forward by the standards watchdog Sir Christopher Kelly, draw up legislation allowing for the recall of errant members and impose a £50,000 cap on individual donations to parties.

This is a dangerous time for British politics and British democracy and the mainstream parties have got to show that we get it Nick Clegg Lib Dem leader MP to repay 'staff quarters' cash Kirkbride prepares to face voters Cameron in 'people power' pledge

By week three a bill would be passed to introduced four-year fixed term parliaments from 2010.

Before the end of the next week, the the Speaker would introduce a series of changes to Commons procedure, such as giving MPs greater powers of scrutiny and subjecting ministers to confirmation hearings.

In weeks four and five the Commons would pass legislation allowing a referendum on electoral reform, and by weeks six and seven parliament would vote to replace the House of Lords with an elected upper chamber.

Mr Clegg also criticised Conservative leader David Cameron's remarks that he was giving "serious consideration" to fixed term parliaments.

In a speech, Mr Cameron said a Tory government would restore "real people power" through a "radical" redistribution of power from Westminster.

But the Lib Dem leader said Mr Cameron, who ruled out proportional representation, had merely offered "verbal cover for maintaining the status quo".

Mr Clegg insisted that the crisis was about more than MPs' pay and expenses.

He added: "It's about a political system and political culture that has become too much of a gentlemen's club.

"This is a dangerous time for British politics and British democracy and the mainstream parties have got to show that we get it."

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg says he wants a system of petitions to be brought in so MPs who break the rules can be axed without having to wait for an election.

Mr Clegg said if an MP was found to have done something "seriously wrong" a petition signed by 5% of constituents should be able to prompt a by-election.

He told the BBC's Politics Show that he also wanted further reform of the House of Lords and political party funding.

But he rejected calls to pay back the £2.4m Michael Brown donation.

If I'd have known then what I know now, of course we wouldn't have accepted a single penny… but I don't think we've got £2.4m lying around to give back to anyone Nick Clegg Lib Dem leader Cameron reopens Tory hopeful list

Mr Clegg said the petitions were needed for cases like that of Derek Conway, who was able to stay as an MP despite being suspended from Parliament and kicked out of the Conservative Party.

"It seems to me, at least in that situation, where someone has been proven to do something seriously wrong, that people should be able to sack their MP."

Mr Clegg said the revelations about MP expenses were just "the tip of the iceberg" of things relating to money and politics that had to be sorted out.

He said Labour were bankrolled by a few trade union chiefs and the Conservatives "in large part by people who don't even pay full taxes in this country", and "we (the Lib Dems) have our own problem with one major dodgy donor".

The Lib Dem donor he referred to was Michael Brown, a bogus international bonds dealer who is on the run, who became the biggest donor to the party ahead of the 2005 general election.

Casting aspersions

Since then he has been convicted in his absence of stealing more than £30m from people including ex-Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards.

Some of those who lost money invested with Mr Brown want the Liberal Democrats to repay the money.

In 2006 the Electoral Commission said they believed that at the time, ahead of the 2005 election, it was "reasonable" for the party to regard his donation as "permissible".

When MPs knowingly exploited the expenses system for profit, they knew they were doing that at the time Nick Clegg Lib Dem leader

But the BBC understands that the Electoral Commission has now resumed its inquiry into the permissibility of those donations and could require the party to forfeit the donations.

Asked how he could "morally justify" keeping the money , Mr Clegg said: "We took every single step to confirm whether he was eligible... Later we discovered the guy was a crook.

"If I'd have known then what I know now, of course we wouldn't have accepted a single penny… but I don't think we've got £2.4m lying around to give back to anyone."

Mr Clegg denied there was a similarity between his argument and the argument made by MPs refusing to pay back expense claims because they followed "the rules".

He said: "When MPs knowingly exploited the expenses system for profit, they knew they were doing that at the time.

"What we did was we took money from a donor, took every reasonable check, this has been recognised by the Electoral Commission that we took that money in good faith... you're casting aspersions, very unfairly on the checks that we took at the time in to Michael Brown."

Alun Michael addressing the media outside a polling station in 1999 Assembly huge Labour own goal?

Ten years after the first election to the Welsh assembly, its first leader says it has not "punched above its weight" on the economy and education.

But Alun Michael, who was Labour first secretary for nine months from May 1999, said there had been successes and he was optimistic for the future.

Former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Wigley said the assembly had come of age, with an increase in voters' confidence.

Tories said they had spent the decade "trying to make devolution work".

Although Labour emerged as the largest party after the 1999 election, its vote had declined dramatically since the 1997 general election.

Under a system of proportional representation it won just 28 of the 60 assembly seats, rather than the majority that had been expected.

The Welsh dimension, the national dimension in Wales, has become a reality that people accept Dafydd Wigley

Turbulent times followed, with Mr Michael eventually resigning as first secretary before a confidence vote tabled by opposition parties was voted on.

He was replaced by Rhodri Morgan, who formed a coalition administration with the Liberal Democrats to bring some stability to the fledgling assembly.

Mr Michael described the assembly's early phase as "pretty damn hard" for both him and Mr Morgan.

Both men had been left to "pick up the pieces", said Mr Michael, after the resignation of their predecessor Ron Davies after his so-called moment of madness on Clapham Common.

He said there had been "real successes" since then, including the creation of commissioners for children and older people and work in committees.

"But we're not punching above our weight compared to the English regions on things like economic development and particularly further and higher education," Mr Michael said.

Our criticism has been towards the policies of the Welsh Assembly Government, not the assembly itself Nick Bourne, Welsh Conservative leader

"Although it is very clear that the ministers dealing with those issues now have recognised where those weaknesses are."

"It is very important, I think, that having got to the point where the assembly is now settled and people accept and support it, that we make sure that the second decade is the decade in which the assembly really punches above its weight in terms of delivering for the people of Wales."

However, First Minister Rhodri Morgan said the introduction of the Foundation Phase, a Scandinavian learn through play curriculum which was rolled out across Wales in September 2008, was one of the "proudest days" in the assembly's first 10 years.

"That was in our first manifesto in 1999 that Alun and I stood on and now we have rolled it out," he said.

"It is a big step for a small country like Wales to make a break with 125 years of British education tradition but we have done it."

Whilst nothing has quite matched the high drama of Mr Michael's departure in February 2000, few politicians would argue that the assembly's existence has not changed the Welsh nation.

It has made a "significant difference", according to Mr Wigley.

"We have to remember that in the referendum in 1997 only 26% of the electorate in Wales voted yes," he said.

"Therefore the assembly had an uphill struggle to win its own patch, if you like.

"By now only 11% of the electorate want to disband the assembly - in other words it has come of age.

"And the Welsh dimension, the national dimension in Wales, has become a reality that people accept," Mr Wigley added.

'Making devolution work'

Current Welsh Conservative leader Nick Bourne, who took over leading the party's assembly group within months of the 1999 election, described the assembly as an "important tool in providing an accessible, democratic forum for the people of Wales".

"Our criticism in that time has been towards the policies of the Welsh Assembly Government, not the assembly itself," he said.

Since 1999 Labour has always been in the assembly government cabinet, either on its own or in coalition, currently with Plaid and previously with the Lib Dems.

"The argument is no longer about whether we want devolution," said Mr Bourne.

"It is about how we make devolution work so it delivers for the people of Wales."

Mike German, who stepped down as leader of the Welsh Lib Dems last December, said politics in Wales was now an "entirely different animal" with "big differences to the political landscape".

"We've now got a realisation that no one party is in control.

"The voting system that we've got means that we're never going to get absolute majorities for everyone."

"More often than not we've had a coalition or a minority government... and it has meant that everybody has been able to play with a lot of power on the political stage.

"People will try and find solutions, less than try and find aggression.

"It doesn't always work like that but there is an element of people trying to find working solutions together."

Lord Ashdown discussed forming a coalition with Labour in the past

Senior Labour MPs have discussed defecting to the Liberal Democrats if the party loses the election, Lord Ashdown has said.

In a Daily Telegraph interview, the former Lib Dem leader indicated some in Labour were concerned about a lurch to the left in the event of a poll defeat.

The current leader of the Lib Dems, Nick Clegg, has said he was not involved in any secret discussions.

Labour sources say talk of defections rather than discontent is overblown.

BBC political correspondent Iain Watson said it is known that some prominent Labour MPs are unhappy with the direction the party is taking.

It comes amid mounting criticism of the prime minister's performance on issues such as Gurkha settlement rights and MPs' expenses, with opposition parties claiming his authority has been fatally undermined.

'No deals'

When Lord Ashdown was leader of the Liberal Democrats he discussed forming a coalition with Labour under Tony Blair but the plans were never put into practice.

If you have been a minister and had a reasonably high-octane job and then you find yourself out of government then you might look around and think the caravan has moved on Former minister Chris Mullin Labour MP rejects 'exodus' talk

Now he has told the Daily Telegraph that the conditions could be in place for defections to the Lib Dems after the next election.

However, Lord Ashdown has kept the identities of his Labour confidants secret.

A spokeswoman for Mr Clegg told the BBC he was not involved in any secret discussions or secret deals with politicians from other parties.

But she said he was happy to work openly with MPs from all parties on issues of "moral importance" such as improving the rights of the Gurkhas.

This week MPs voted by 267 to 246 in favour of a Lib Dem motion offering all Gurkhas equal right of residence, with the Tories and 27 Labour rebels backing it.

The rules on Gurkhas entering the UK were changed last week

MPs are to debate the government's decision to limit the number of Gurkha veterans allowed to settle in the UK.

The Liberal Democrats, who have put forward a parliamentary motion calling for an easing of the rules, are urging Labour MPs to vote against ministers.

Some 36,000 former Gurkhas have been denied residency because they served in the British army before 1997.

The government insists changes made to residency rules last week will allow an extra 4,300 to settle in the UK.

Immigration regulations introduced in 2004 allowed serving Gurkhas with at least four years' service to move to the UK.

However, they do not apply to those discharged from the Army before 1 July 1997, when their base relocated from Hong Kong to Folkestone, Kent.

Conditions

The High Court ruled last year that the government policy on older veterans was unlawful and in need of urgent review.

Last week the Home Office responded, saying Gurkhas who left service before 1997 and wanting to come to the UK should meet criteria involving long service, bravery medals and medical conditions caused by service in the brigade.

The Lib Dems, who say this does not go far enough, have secured a debate on the issue in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

This completely disgraceful decision does a great disservice to the brave Gurkha soldiers who have willingly risked their lives for this country Martin Salter, Labour MP

Leader Nick Clegg said the government was ignoring basic principles, adding: "People who are prepared to fight and die for our country should be entitled to live here.

"Yet even this basic principle is broken by this out of touch and morally bankrupt government."

Home affairs select committee members from across the parties have tabled a separate Commons motion attacking the "unnecessarily restrictive, morally wrong and offensive" restrictions which excluded all but officers.

Among them is Labour's Martin Salter, who said: "This completely disgraceful decision does a great disservice to the brave Gurkha soldiers who have willingly risked their lives for this country.

"They are being told, in effect, that as far as the government is concerned, they are worth less than other foreign nationals who only have to serve four years before they can apply for settlement rights in the UK."

'Massive pressure'

A Downing Street spokesman said: "We recognise that there is a good deal of interest in these cases. We have already made changes to the guidelines as called for by the court."

The changes would apply to 4,000 Gurkhas and their dependants, he insisted.

Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said last week that letting all 36,000 Gurkhas in to the UK would lead to "massive pressure" on the immigration service.

But campaigners claim fewer than 100 of the Nepalese soldiers will benefit from the Home Office's changes to the rules.

Protesters are expected to gather at Westminster, among them actress Joanna Lumley, whose father served in the Gurkha regiment.

Dr Mohammed Mehmet is a former lecturer in mathematics

Denbighshire Council has appointed Dr Mohammed Mehmet as its new chief executive.

Dr Mehmet joined the council in 2007 as interim corporate director of lifelong learning after the authority's education services were criticised by schools watchdog Estyn.

He replaces Ian Miller, who quit unexpectedly in November 2008.

Council leader Hugh Evans said Dr Mehmet's role was vital to continue the authority's "journey of improvement".

He added: "All candidates were subject to stringent and intensive interviews, assessments and presentations over a number of days and there was an extremely strong field of candidates.

"The role of Chief Executive will be vital as we continue on our journey of improvement as an authority. There is a lot of work to do and the foundations are in place to continue the good work that has already been carried out."

Cyprus-born Dr Mehmet, 48, said: "Denbighshire has a committed team of members and officers who are working tirelessly to continue improving public services for the residents of Denbighshire and for those that work in and visit the county.

"I'm looking forward to working with my former colleagues to continue to work towards our aim of bringing Denbighshire closer to the community and providing quality, value for money services for all."

Ian Miller stepped down just days after handing in his notice

'Relocation'

Dr Mehmet, a former lecturer in mathematics, has served as a former director of children's services at Peterborough City Council and as director of education and regeneration with the London Borough of Islington.

In January 2009, the council was criticised after it was revealed Dr Mehmet and another senior official lived outside Wales, and the authority met their hotel bills when working in Denbighshire.

However, a spokeswoman confirmed Dr Mehmet and his family would be "relocating to the area".

She also confirmed his position would be "full time", whereas his previous role involved a four-day week.

The council's former chief executive, Ian Miller, announced he was standing down to "pursue new challenges" in November, and left his office days later.

The announcement came after a difficult period for the council, which was strongly criticised in a report by schools inspector Estyn in September 2007.

The report highlighted poor communication and "ineffective" political leadership at the council and the criticisms led to the ousting of then leader Rhiannon Hughes.

In September 2008, the council was criticised for the way it handled the opening and closure of Hyfrydle, a residential centre for autistic children which opened in 2007.

Mr Clegg said growth forecasts would stoke up false hopes

Alistair Darling's moves to tax higher earners more will only affect a "tiny minority" and raise very little money, says Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg.

He said the failure to stop high earners declaring income as capital gains meant a "massive subsidy for the very rich" remained in place.

And the chancellor's growth forecasts suggested he was living in a "fantasy world", he said.

He said it was not likely that many of the policies would ever be implemented.

Responding to the Budget statement Mr Clegg said the "worst of times demands the best of budgets" and referred to memorable budgets of the past.

Heavy taxes

Instead the government had been "desperately rushing around picking up half-baked ideas to save the skin of this failing government", he said.

"Patchwork repairs" were not enough, Britain needed to do things "fundamentally differently", particularly by making big changes to the banking sector.

High street banks should not be taking "unnecessary risks" with people's money while "risky casino investment banking" should be "cut loose to fail", he said.

Taxes are still too heavy on those who can least afford it and too easy to avoid for those who know how Nick Clegg

While Mr Darling had addressed the issue of higher tax relief on pension incomes for the wealthy, he had only "tinkered" with the loophole, removing it from the "tiny minority" earning more than £150,000 a year.

The 18% capital gains tax, which the Lib Dems say high earners use to avoid the top rate of income tax, remains a "massive subsidy for the very rich", Mr Clegg said.

"The biggest disappointment of all in this Budget is its failure to sort out Britain's unfair tax system, to put money into people's pockets to help them make it through this recession," Mr Clegg told MPs.

"Taxes are still too heavy on those who can least afford it and too easy to avoid for those who know how. That's how this government and the Tories seem to want it."

He said the chancellor's predictions that the UK economy will grow 1.25% next year then 3.5% the year after that "stoke up false hopes".

"Given the lamentable failure of this government to get its own predictions right people will be asking what kind of fantasy world the Labour Party lives in," he said.