LABOUR is 'almost certain' to impose an all-women shortlist when local members choose the candidate to replace Newport East MP Alan Howarth who is standing down at the next election.

Mr Howarth revealed his decision not to serve another term as the MP for Newport East exclusively in the Argus on Saturday.

And Newport East Assembly Member John Griffiths said it was "almost certain" that the Constituency Labour Party would be choosing a replacement from an all women shortlist.

It would be the second time the ward has had its choice of candidate restricted. Former Conservative Mr Howarth was on a shortlist drawn up by Labour's national executive after Roy Hughes announced his retirement.

And one Newport councillor said a 'silent majority' would oppose any all-women shortlist.

The issue caused a huge row in Blaenau Gwent last year when the members had to select a replacement for long-serving MP Llew Smith.

Maggie Jones was eventually chosen as the candidate after massive protests.

Mr Howarth himself refused to be drawn on whether he was for or against an all-women shortlist.

But he did say: "It is important that the Constituency Labour Party makes their own choice of candidate." He added that he would support whoever was chosen.

But Mr Griffiths said he understood all-women shortlists were "almost automatic, subject to appeal, because of the short time left before a general election".

He was not opposed in principle to all-women lists because only four of the 40 Welsh MPs presently were women.

But Mr Griffiths added that the Labour group could appeal. He said: "Because they had a restricted choice last time it seems rather unfair for them to have a restricted choice on this occasion."

Lliswerry councillor Ken Critchley said: "There is some merit to the idea, but the party should be spending time ensuring all the opportunities are there for women to come forward on their own.

"There is a silent majority who would not support an all-women shortlist."

Councillor Allan Morris, whose Lliswerry constituency is in Newport East, said: "People don't like all anything shortlists but, at the end of the day, the decision will be taken by the individual members who will choose the best candidate."