LABOUR Assembly Member Peter Law is threatening to stand against his own party as an independent in protest at the all-women MP candidate shortlist for Blaenau Gwent.

Today he revealed he has sent a letter the party's regional organiser, Jessica Morden, warning that unless the executive withdraw using the controversial system he would "seriously consider" standing as an independent in what is one of Labour's safest seats.

Sitting MP Llew Smith will stand down at the next election, and the executive decided that his replacement should be chosen from an all-women list of candidates to promote gender equality.

But the constituency Labour party say they will boycott any women-only procedure and many feel it is simply a way of parachuting in a Blairite.

If the popular Mr Law did stand as an independent, Labour could lose one of its safest seats in what could be a close general election.

In his letter, Mr Law says: "It is the height of arrogance for any political party to dictate to its local members in this way. I am writing to ask that the Wales executive now reconsiders this policy decision and withdraws it.

"If this is not to be the case, then very reluctantly, I have to inform you that I shall seriously consider standing for election as a 'Blaenau Gwent Labour' candidate at the next parliamentary election."

He could now face internal party disciplinary action.