Spotlight on former Labour stronghold after Law death
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face another election battle for a once rock solid seat after he
captured the stronghold in a landslide victory last year.
Mr Law tilted the balance of power in Welsh politics when he quit
Labour after decades of membership.
He stood against official party candidate Maggie Jones after a
long-running row with Labour hierarchy over all-women shortlists.
The Assembly and Parliamentary seats are now vacant following Mr Law's
death in the early hours of this morning.
His funeral is to be held in Ebbw Vale next Thursday, exactly a year to
the day of the General Election.
It is likely that both by-elections will be held on the same day. The
Assembly's Presiding Officer must set a date for the contest within
three months, an Assembly spokeswoman said.
Supporters and friends of Mr Law, who formed a political group after
his election, today vowed to continue his legacy and select another
independent candidate to fight the by-elections.
Labour announced last month that the next parliamentary candidate will
be picked from an open shortlist but no one has yet been selected.
Blaenau Gwent Council Leader John Hopkins was last year chosen as
Labour's Assembly candidate.
Mr Law's departure denied Labour its working majority of one in the
Welsh Assembly.
Regaining what was once its safest seat in Wales would give Rhodri
Morgan his majority back before next year's Assembly elections.
Mr Law's election agent and long time friend Dai Davies said that his
own name is one of a number being considered to contest the seat by the
newly formed Blaenau Gwent People?s Voice group.
He said: There is a group of people who believe in democratic socialism
and we will select and endorse a candidate who reflects that.
He said that discussions would take place over the next couple of
weeks, within the 80-strong group, to pick a candidate for both
elections.
He said: Because of the way party politics has conducted itself and
continues to conduct itself we believe an independent voice is needed.
This is promoting Peter's beliefs and the best tribute we can make to
him. This is his legacy.