BLAENAU Gwent MP Llew Smith has hit out at all-women short lists following his sudden announcement that he will stand down at the next general election.

Mr Smith, pictured, told the Argus restricted lists would have meant Aneurin Bevan and Michael Foot being denied the chance to represent the constituency.

The popular and outspoken MP, who has represented Blaenau Gwent in the House of Commons since 1992, is convinced that the controversial system will be used to choose his successor.

Speaking from his home in Newbridge, the 58-year-old said: "The Labour party in Cardiff will almost certainly decide to impose a women- only short list. I know from talks with my constituents that they want the opportunity to elect who they want. These people had the good sense to choose two of the most important figures in the Labour party and now they will be told they are not trusted.

"My concern is not whether the next MP is a man or a woman but that they are a socialist, that they are brave and that they are the person the constituents want to represent them.

The women who work hard for the party round here do not want to be elected because of their gender, but because they are the right person for the job.

"I don't think this is about gender, anyway, I think it is a way for New Labour to parachute in someone who will not cause them problems."

Speaking of his decision to leave Westminster, Mr Smith said: "I have been involved in politics since the age of 18 and it has been a big part of my life. I have had the privilege of representing the Labour party and I would like to think I have stuck to my principles.

"This wasn't a snap decision, and it is something we knew about for the last few years. In some ways this decision won't make any difference. I will continue to be active in politics and it will give me more time to be involved in the campaigns such as anti-poverty and anti-nuclear weapons that I have followed over the last 40 years.

"I think the people in authority will realise I will now have more time to argue my principles - I'm not going anywhere."