CHIEF Minister Tony Brown MHK has reflected on his decades of public service.

Mr Brown, who has announced he will not be standing for re-election as Castletown's MHK at the general election on September 29, has been Chief Minister for the past five years.

It means there will be a new face in Tynwald representing Castletown following the election and a new Chief Minister.

Click here for our initial story.

Here are Mr Brown's comments in full regarding his decision.

"After much thought I have decided to not to stand for the House of Keys at the forthcoming General Election.

"I have been extremely honoured and it has been a real privilege for me to have served Castletown and its community for the past 35 years, first as a commissioner and then as the Member of the House of Keys for Castletown, a position I have held for 30 years.

"When I first became the MHK for Castletown in 1981 I never envisaged that I would be fortunate enough to be able to continue to serve the people of Castletown and the Island for such an extensive period.

"I have enjoyed an active, exciting, meaningful and fulfilling period serving Castletown and the Island.

"I have been most fortunate to hold senior government positions for 20 years, culminating in holding the position of Chief Minister for the past five years, with immediately prior to that period I was very honoured to have been elected Speaker of the House of Keys in 2001, and again in 2006.

"During my time in office I fully committed myself to the role and responsibilities of the posts I have held, and in playing an active and positive role within Tynwald, the Keys and Government, as well as within the community of Castletown, I believe I have very much influenced how the Island, and Castletown in particular, has developed, from a period when Castletown was struggling with much dereliction within the town centre, and when the Island had very limited income and struggled to sustain its then limited public services and when unemployment was very high with individual incomes being low, to a period today where as a nation and as individuals we are relatively wealthy and the quality of life on the Island has improved exponentially.

"During the period I have been an MHK the Government has improved and developed much needed public services, built up substantial reserves, substantially improved the Island's infrastructure, and diversified the economy creating great employment opportunities, to a position where we now have more people in work than ever in our history.

"We have very low unemployment, incomes have risen and opportunities have improved significantly and I am very optimistic about the Island's future.

"I am very proud to have played a part in supporting such advancements that have without doubt benefited the people of our Island.

"As a political representative of Castletown and the Island I have always endeavoured to be accessible, approachable and open with people; I have always helped, supported and taken a keen interest in people and organisations.

"I have always endeavoured to act impartially, and I believe most importantly, I have acted with integrity when dealing with anyone and with issues.

"I have always seen protecting people's rights and freedoms as the foundation of my responsibilities, as I have always believed it to be fundamental to that of being an elected representative of the people."

He added: "As the MHK for Castletown my role has exceeded my expectations; I have enjoyed making a difference, helping people where I could, and being able to influence either directly or indirectly policies that have benefited Castletown and the Island, and improved the quality of life for many people as well as providing many new wonderful opportunities.

"I have also enjoyed representing the Island overseas on many occasions, especially as Chief Minister; it has indeed been a wonderful experience and a personal honour for me.

"I have also had the opportunity to lead and work with a wonderful and committed ministerial team who have over the past five years taken the Island forward through some challenging and difficult times, whilst at the same time continuing to plan and invest, and to put in place policies to create opportunities and to help secure the Island's future.

"I would sincerely thank everyone who has supported me and given me their trust over the past 35 years, whilst I have served as an elected representative of the people of Castletown, a trust I have not taken lightly.

"I would especially thank my wife Rachel along with my children, Kate and Graeme for their unstinting support, their patience and understanding, and also the wider family - it has indeed been a great honour and pleasure for me to serve and undertake my responsibilities with such wonderful consistent support over the last three decades, from family, friends and constituents.

"I would also wish to pay tribute to the many dedicated officers of Government and Tynwald who have assisted and supported me in my work as an elected member for the past 30 years.

"Whilst I will very much miss being involved in politics and with people, which has been very much part of my life over the last 35 years, I look forward to enjoying more free time, especially with my family and friends.

"I intend to continue with my involvement within the community of Castletown."

What do you think about Mr Brown's decision not to stand for re-election? Let us know your views by submitting your comments in the box below.