After 20 years in politics - almost seven of those as an MP - Dr James Davies is preparing for life outside Westminster.

Since being elected the youngest member of Denbighshire County Council in 2004 aged 24, the Prestatyn native has worked tirelessly for his constituents, initially in Prestatyn then as MP for Vale of Clwyd.

His constituency office took on thousands of local cases for constituents as well as campaigning to give the region a voice within Government.

Following the redrawing of the electoral boundaries, Labour's Becky Gittins was elected MP for the new Clwyd East constituency at the General Election.

In a farewell message to constituents, Dr Davies reflected on his time in office  

"A very big thank you to all who put their trust in me at the ballot box last Thursday," he said. I am bowled over by the supportive messages I have received since the election results were announced.  It has been an immense honour to be your Member of Parliament – thank you.

"While I am incredibly disappointed not to have been elected to represent the new seat of Clwyd East, I am very proud of my six-and-a-half years as Member of Parliament for the Vale of Clwyd.

"It has been important to me throughout to be a constituency-focused MP, proactive in securing a brighter future for the whole region.

"More than £1bn committed to upgrade and electrify the North Wales Mainline from Crewe and Warrington to Holyhead was the culmination of many years of work by me and others. It will be tragic if the change in government and local representation puts this at risk. 

"I'm also proud of the tens of millions of pounds of central government funding awarded to the area via the Levelling Up Fund, the Long-Term Plan for Towns, the North Wales Growth Deal and the Shared Prosperity Fund. If spent well, this can be transformative for Rhyl.  It will also freshen up Prestatyn High Street and deliver on the former North Wales Hospital development in Denbigh.

"All being well, joint working with local people and the UK Community Ownership Fund will see the safeguarding of the Salusbury Arms in Tremeirchion and the reopening of the Llandrynog Community Shop. It will also hopefully ensure the purchase of Belle Vue to secure the future of football in the heart of Rhyl for generations to come. 

"I was able to persuade the Chancellor to award Theatr Clwyd with £1.6m at the last Budget - that will make a real difference for this cherished regional facility. I also look forward to the town’s new police station opening this September.

"But as an NHS GP, it has been imperative to me to get across to the highest levels of the Government the need for national-level intervention to turn around Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and deliver greater rights to access to health services elsewhere for North Wales patients. 

"It was a breakthrough to see these included within my party’s election manifesto, and it is a matter of great regret to me that the Welsh Government will now face reduced scrutiny of its many failings.

"I would like to thank my excellent constituency office team who have supported me over the last Parliament. I would also like to thank my campaign team and the scores of volunteers who worked tirelessly for me during the recent election campaign.

"It is 20 years since I returned home from University and stood for the local council in Prestatyn.  Since that time, I have been on a mission to deliver for the area. The progress that Prestatyn in particular has made is so rewarding, and has made all the ups and downs more than worthwhile. 

"I am now looking forward to a much-needed rest and some quality time with my family."