Butler returned with nearly 50% of the vote.

Rosemary Butler (Labour) (pictured) 10,053, William Graham (Conservative) 6,301, Phylip Hobson (Liberal Democrat) 2,094, Tony Salkeld (Plaid Cymru ) 1,678, Hugh Moelwyn-Hughes (UK Independence Party) 1,102, Richard Morse (Welsh Socialist Alliance Against the War) 198

Majority 3,752, Majority 1999 4,710 (Labour), Swing . . . . . . . 0.9% Lab to Con, Turnout 35.3%

AS Rosemary Butler's votes piled up in the Newport Centre it soon became clear she was going to be returned to the Assembly. In the end she beat her opponents easily.

An elated Mrs Butler polled 10,053 votes and told the Argus: 'I am absolutely delighted to have won with nearly 50% of the vote.

' I think this is an endorsement of the work we have done in the last four years, and the efforts I have made to represent everyone in Newport West.

'I also believe it is a vindication of the Assembly and we can now go forward to improve the standard of living for people in Wales.'

Mrs Butler's nearest rival was Conservative William Graham, with 6,301 votes. But there was some consolation for Mr Graham - for he retained his South Wales East seat.

Turnout was 21,617 - down more than 7% on 1999. Mrs Butler said: 'The vote was down and that is a concern, all parties need to address that.

'The challenge now is to show that we can really deliver more improvements for the people of Wales and move forward.'

Like Mr Griffiths Mrs Butler was too tired to party, 'It's been a very enjoyable campaign and an honour to be returned but I am looking forward to a rest.'