A conference in Newport this week looked at the future of democracy. Will Godfrey emphasises the city's ‘proud history of making its voice heard' and says the role and influence of local government is now more important than ever

A strong recovery from the challenges of de-industrialisation is well under way in Newport and we are forging a new identity based on developing a large cluster of companies who are leaders in digital technologies. Newport is a city which is rediscovering its confidence.