FORMER Cabinet minister Ron Davies yesterday revealed he had quit the Labour Party, and branded Welsh politics "a mess".

The former Welsh secretary, who did not defend his Caerphilly seat in the last Assembly elections, said Labour "wasn't performing".

Mr Davies said: "It seems to me that there is a huge void at the moment. You've got a Labour Party that isn't performing.

"You don't have a credible alternative with Plaid Cymru because they have got this commitment to independence. We're in a bit of a mess."

Mr Davies, 57, added Labour had moved so far to the right that balance has changed. He said he had not joined Forward Wales, the new party formed by Wrexham Assembly Member Dr John Marek.

He also claimed he had no "masterplan" for the forthcoming European or council elections.

Mr Davies was to defend his Caerphilly seat last May but stood aside after allegations he was engaged in sexual activity with a man at a Wiltshire beauty spot.

He resigned as Welsh secretary after a "moment of madness" on Clapham Common in 1998.

He now works as director of the Valleys Race Equality Council.

A Wales Labour Party spokeswoman said: "It's sad that Ron has chosen to turn his back on the party which has given him so much."