REBEL Blaenau Gwent Assembly Member Peter Law may yet stand against the Labour Party as an independent in the General Election, despite withdrawing on discovering he had a brain tumour.

Less than two weeks ago Mr Law, who has battled with the Labour Party over its policy of all-women short lists that saw Maggie Jones picked as the parliamentary candidate for Blaenau Gwent, cancelled the launch of his campaign when diagnosed with the tumour.

Today Mr Law hinted at a speedy return to the race for parliament. He said: "There is a great upswell of feeling in Blaenau Gwent - people are telling me they feel they've been robbed of choice and an opportunity to make their feelings known.

"I can't say yet what my intentions are, only that I feel very well and positive since my operation and standing in the election is a consideration. "I gave the people of Blaenau Gwent a promise and that was to provide choice for them... Nominations don't close until next week and if I can facilitate a choice for voters in this constituency I would be very happy.

"Even if I lost I would still be pleased to have served the constituents and I'll continue to work hard for them as their AM. I've been touched by the number of cards and e-mails I've been sent wishing me well from regular people, it's been like a river of warmth flooding down the Valleys."

The Welsh Labour Party expelled Mr Law when it seemed he was going to launch a campaign against them but invited him back when he withdrew from the race due to his illness.