GWENT AM Phil Williams says he is not ready to reach for his pipe and slippers just yet, despite being eased out of his party's shadow cabinet yesterday.

Dr Williams (pictured) has gone from AM of the year in 1999-2000, to having no front-line role in his own party just two years later, but he says it was the right decision for the party.

"It's very reasonable, because I'm not standing again, that the team fighting the elections should be in the front row," he said after the announcement, which also sees fellow 2003 retirees Dafydd Wigley and Cynog Dafis moved into the background.

"I'm looking forward to working behind the scenes - I've always enjoyed making the bullets, rather than firing them," said Dr Williams.

Announcing the changes, which will be the last reshuffle before the election, party leader Ieuan Wyn Jones stressed that the three elder statesman had discussed and agreed to move out of the front line to give younger faces a chance to establish themselves.

Dr Williams, and policy director Mr Dafis, will be working on policies for the 2003 manifesto, and the financial implications of the health budget in particular. Dr Williams also retains responsibility for energy - his pet subject for many years - while the Assembly's economic development committee completes its energy review.

Much-loved former party leader Dafydd Wigley has been given two new jobs - chairman of the audit committee, and head of the election campaign for the valleys. The latter post means his is likely to be a familiar face in Islwyn and Caerphilly when the election comes around. "Dafydd Wigley's talents are enormous," said leader Ieuan Wyn Jones. "We must use his talent as a campaigner in those key seats."

Plaid's other Gwent AMs have largely escaped change. Jocelyn Davies adds the chief whip's duties to her existing role as business manager, enhancing her position as the power behind the throne in the party.

Islwyn AM Brian Hancock remains as spokesman on small businesses. Ceredigion AM Elin Jones is the big winner in the reshuffle - she takes over as economic development spokeswoman.