THE controversial all-women shortlist for Labour's Blaenau Gwent parliamentary candidate was drawn up last night amid a protest by a group of local party members.

About 50 members demonstrated against the all-women policy last night outside Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre where the selection meeting was taking place.

Local Assembly Member Peter Law led the demonstration.

He said: "Blaenau Gwent, a cornerstone of socialism, feels betrayed and insulted that it has had this decision imposed upon it.

"We believe in democracy. We want equal opportunities and would support anyone of any gender, colour or creed as long as they were the best candidate."

The constituency party in Blaenau Gwent voted to boycott the selection process, and wrote to all members calling on them not to attend.

But despite the unrest, the meeting went ahead and five women were shortlisted.

Sitting MP Llew Smith is due to stand down at the next general election.

Alyson Tippings, women's officer for Blaenau Gwent Constituency Labour Party, said all-women shortlists were the only way to increase female representation.

She said: "Until two elections ago, Wales only had one female MP, but when all-women shortlists were introduced in 1997 that number rose to four.

"At the last election there were no all-women shortlists and no new female MPs."

But the final female candidate may have a fight on her hands as Mr Law is considering running as an independent candidate.

A poll carried out by the South Wales Argus suggested that if he did stand against a Labour candidate from the all-women list, he would win.

The local party has also said it will not campaign for the eventual candidate.

Lifelong Labour party member Don Wilcox 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."

The five shortlisted candidates will return on December 11 for the final ballot.

They are: l Sonia Behr, a family lawyer from Nantyglo. l Sian James, a communications worker from the Swansea Valley. l Gwennan Jeremiah, a secondary school teacher from the Chepstow area. l Maggie Jones, a Unison policy officer currently based in London. l Mary Kreagh, a lecturer currently based in London.