NASTY. Rude. Trivial.

No, I’m not talking about the county’s political elite (for once) because those three words have actually been used to describe this column over the years.

The accusers might have had a point but I’ve chosen not to listen, not through arrogance I hasten to add, but more through amusement.

For that is what this small space in such a fine publication has, by in large, always been about – fun.

I’m well aware my humour is not to everyone’s taste and I know I’ve made a few enemies along the way but those I offended can now pop some corks, high-five and do a little dance.

For after two years and four months of not so much walking the ‘corridors of power’ but the ‘halls of hot air’ at County Hall and the Guildhall it is time to say farewell.

When I’ve not been battling a councillor-induced coma (Geoff Williams, Aubrey Tarbuck, Liz Smith et al don’t half go on) or building an Enigma-style machine to decipher utterly incomprehensible agenda papers I’ve really enjoyed being a Paine on the political scene.

It has also been revealing (no, I’m not talking about your dazzling dresses Councillor Juliet Brunner), funny (the majority of it unintentional and featured here over time) and sensational (Dr George Lord).

I leave with many fond memories and I hope I’ve provided you with a few as well but there is a saying that all good things must come to an end and, given that this is the last column I write before I start a new job in London, it shows that some bad things do too.

Perhaps that will apply to Councillor Stephen ‘I can’t be bothered to turn up to meetings until provoked, call back journalists and explain myself’ Clee’s political career as well.