Islwyn constituency results

Irene James (Labour) (pictured) 11,246, Brian Hancock (Plaid Cymru ) 3,926, Paul Taylor (Tinker Against the Assembly) 2,201, Terri Anne Matthews (Conservative) 1,848, Huw Price (Liberal Democrat) 1,268

Majority 7,320, Majority 1999 604 (Plaid Cymru), Swing . . . . . . 19% Plaid to Lab, Turnout 40%

LABOUR regained their ascendancy in Islwyn with a crushing victory over Plaid Cymru last night.

Labour candidate Irene James raced home with a huge majority of 7,320 to grab the seat from Plaid's Brian Hancock, who got 3,926 votes.

When the results were announced shortly after 1am, Mr Hancock looked as disappointed as he was surprised this time four years ago.

He confessed: 'I'm pig sick and very disappointed.'

During his hustings speech he warned Irene James that she was only borrowing the Islwyn seat from him although afterwards he said he would be taking stock of the situation to decide whether he would remain in politics.

On the other hand, Irene James was a picture of elation.

She said: 'The people of Islwyn have rejected the nationalist ideology of Plaid Cymru and they have come home to Labour once more and I will make sure that they don't regret that.'

The other winner on the night was pub landlord and independent candidate Paul 'Tinker'' Taylor, of the Tinker Against the Assembly party.

He came third with 2,201 - polling more votes than the Conservative and Liberal Democrat candidates.

He said: 'If we were all on a level playing field Islwyn would be mine.'