PETER Law delivered the deadliest blow to Labour by snatching the Blaenau Gwent seat from them in an historic victory.

The Independent candidate overturned a majority of 19,313 to beat Lab-our's Maggie Jones by 9,121 votes.

The first signs that Labour's Ms Jones would be unsuccessful was evident by her absence from the count until just before the official annou-ncement.

Labour spin doctors told journalists they were expecting a heavy defeat soon after polling stations closed.

Mr Law had stood against his old party in protest at Labour's all-woman shortlist.

The victory came just weeks after he underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour.

He will now have a dual role as MP and Assembly Member for the area. 'It's a very good morning in Blaenau Gwent,' he said.

'This is what you get when you don't listen to the people. It's been a great victory for the people of Blaenau Gwent.

'We are not going to be manipulated and that's where I pay great tribute to the people of Blaenau Gwent

'I have to say I stand here very proud and very humble. I want to serve the people in the way I always have, caring for the people, because that's what I have always done.'

Ms Jones said she was surprised, not only by the result, but its magnitude.

'If I'm honest, I'm shocked by the scale of the defeat,' said she said. 'We knew it was a difficult battle and we knew it would be close but I think we underestimated the level of sympathy that Peter was getting for his illness and his cause.'

When asked about her plans, she said: 'I still have a job in the trade union. My one regret is that the people of Blaenau Gwent are going to have a part-time MP representing them.

'It is a problem for the people of Blaenau Gwent - I don't think people need to cry tears for me.'