ONE of the Valleys councillors who resigned from Labour in protest about the Islwyn shortlist rejoined the party yesterday.

Ynysddu councillor Jan Jones was one of four councillors who stood down in the wake of the news the shortlist to contest the seat of the outgoing Don Touhig does not feature anyone from Islwyn.

Cllr Jones, along with Dave Rees and Phyllis Griffiths, who represent Risca West, and Pengam's Jonathan Wilson quit the party last Monday.

Cllr Rees said he will fight the seat as an independent in the forthcoming general election and try to overturn Labour's majority of 15,740.

Cllr Jones said: "I do not see the logic of pitting an independent candidate against the Labour candidate and running the risk of reducing the Labour vote."

After speaking with family, friends and constituents, Cllr Jones said she felt is was the best move and Welsh Labour confirmed they have accepted her decision to rescind her resignation.

Cllr Jones, who has represented Ynysddu since 2004, said her decision to quit last week was not knee-jerk, but one taken because of her strong feelings about the shortlist.

She said: "I had big concerns, but when all is said and done, you've got to look at the wider picture - there's an election coming.

"The position is we have seven very capable candidates and I will put my trust in the local Islwyn Constituency Party to choose a candidate."

She has spoken with the three other rebels and said there is no animosity: "They respect my decision and I respect theirs."

Caerphilly council Labour leader Harry Andrews said: "We’re delighted to welcome Jan back into the fold. It takes a person with huge strength of character to listen to different points of view and change their minds accordingly. "She will receive nothing but warm support from her Labour colleagues on the group."