THE controversial selection process to appoint outgoing Blaenau Gwent MP Llew Smith's successor ends tonight - but the row looks set to rumble on.

The Welsh Labour Party will choose the area's next parliamentary candidate from all-women shortlist after the local constituency party refused to co-operate in the procedure in protest.

The Cardiff Labour Party will choose from five candidates; Maggie Jones, Sian James, Mary Creagh, Sonia Behr and Gwennan Jeremiah.

Blaenau Gwent AM Peter Law is threatening to stand as an independent candidate - a move which could split the constituency party down the middle with many still divided over the issue.

Life-long Labour Party member and Ebbw Vale councillor Don Wilcox has protested against the decision to impose the all-women shortlist. He said: "I have campaigned for Labour in every election for the last 40 years but I will not be campaigning for the candidate in this constituency at the next election."

Sirhowy Labour Party branch secretary, Darren Webb, said he would be protesting outside tonight's meeting.

"I don't think this is the right way to increase the number of women MPs," he said.

"And I will not be campaigning for the chosen candidate at the next election.

"This situation has totally split the Labour Party in Blaenau Gwent and whoever is chosen tonight will find it very difficult to win the seat."

Megan Fox, Tredegar town councillor and Labour Party member for 30 years, had been opposed to the all-women shortlist.

But she told the Argus that she now wanted to make sure Blaenau Gwent had a "first class MP".

She said: "The party are not going to change their minds about the all women shortlist.

"I think that it's best to work with the party and not against it so we can choose the best possible candidate from an excellent shortlist." Labour Councillor Lyndon Moore said he remained loyal to the Labour Party.

"It's an internal issue," he said. "We've had our troubles, but we will get over them."

Des Davies, Labour councillor for Cwm, said he feared the Labour Party has shot itself in the foot.

He said: "I am disgusted that this system has been imposed on us, it is undemocratic and completely against the Labour Party principles of fairness and democracy.

"I only hope that the party doesn't loose its deposit on its Blaenau Gwent candidate."