I had been planning to wear the same frock for my valedictory as I had for my maiden speech, but, alas, it seemed to have shrunk rather a lot, unlike its owner, who should have done a lot less Bellamy's and Copperfields and a lot more nil by mouth and exercised steps. But I have gained so much more than just a couple of kilograms here, in my time in Parliament. Having been in the media, examining politics closely for 30-odd years before stepping up to be an MP, I was well aware of how rare it is for members to be able to choose their time of leaving, as I am doing after six years in Government, three as a backbencher and three as a Minister inside Cabinet, and now a final term in Opposition.