INDEPENDENT Pontypool councillor Fred Wildgust is to contest the Torfaen seat at the next general election.
The seat, held by Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy for the past 22 years, has traditionally been a Labour stronghold.
The seat was created in 1983 when it was held by the charismatic Leo Abse who had been the sitting MP in the former Pontypool constituency for 25 years.
Cllr Wildgust says he is not daunted by the prospect of facing trying to overturn a 14,791 majority, saying the area is ready for "radical political change".
The Welsh Secretary said: "I relish any opportunity to discuss the future of our valley but at the moment of course my focus is firmly concentrated on helping local families and businesses through this difficult period."
Former miner Cllr Wildgust represents the Pontypool ward since beating former Labour councillor Lyn Irwin last May by 120 votes.
The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and People’s Voice parties say they will all contest the seat and are in the process of selecting candidates.
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