THE defection of an experienced Labour councillor to Plaid Cymru has managed to unite the two parties - both say they are happy with the decision.

Newport councillor Garry Brown, who has represented the Tredegar Park ward since 1983, became the county borough's first Plaid councillor yesterday when he exclusively revealed he was crossing the floor. Five other Labour party members have followed suit. Paul Flynn, Labour candidate for Newport West which contains the Tredegar Park ward, said it was a matter of celebration.

"Garry Brown has enjoyed years of support and loyalty from the Labour Party throughout all his difficulties. His leaving Labour is of no significance and a cause for celebration among members of the party. We offer our condolences to Plaid Cymru," he said.

But Tony Salkeld, Plaid Cymru's candidate in Newport West, claimed the defection was a massive boost to his campaign. He told the Argus: "Obviously it's a great boost. Garry represents the voice of a significant proportion of people in Newport who are looking for a socialist alternative to Labour. We're delighted to have him on board."

Mr Brown, 52, cited the government's handling of Corus as the final straw, but he has been involved in a long-running dispute with other members of the Labour party both in Duffryn and Newport as a whole. In the past three years he has been deselected, re-instated, and suspended twice.

Mr Brown, of Partridge Way, Duffryn, claims that other party members, including Mr Flynn, have been trying to force him out for years. Mr Flynn said there had been no such attempt.

The defection will not force a council by-election. Mr Brown will continue to represent the area until May, 2004, as the next round of council elections are due to be postponed from 2003 to avoid a clash with the Assembly elections. Were he to succesfully retain the seat he is scheduled to be mayor the following year.

*Mr Flynn has been named Britain's most e-friendly MP of the last parliament by online IT news site silicon.com.

Writing to MPs posing as a constituent they received the fastest response - 28 minutes - from Mr Flynn. Former Welsh Secretary John Redwood took three days, and ex-PM John Major five. Neither Tony Blair, nor William Hague acknowledged the contact.