REBEL MP Peter Law met 80 supporters to discuss plans for a new socialist group in Blaeanu Gwent.

Former Labour Party members kicked out for supporting him in last year's General Election were at the talks this week.

Yesterday Dai Davies - Mr Law's agent - said that disillusionment with New Labour had led to the discussions.

But he said no formal decision had been made about forming a party.

"We are yet to draw up a formal constitution which would lay out our aims and objectives, but it would be based round Socialist values which we feel are true today," he said.

He said Labour were not supporting values that Blaenau Gwent supported. They had taken them for granted.

"They thought we would vote Labour no matter what. But people have shown they have a voice and they are not afraid to use it."

Mr Davies said there was certainly a plan to form a political organisation that might eventually become a party.

"At the moment we are gauging public support, we wouldn't go blindly on if only we think it's a good idea. But there seems to be a will for change."

Mr Law left Labour in protest at all-women shortlists that the party imposed on Blaenau Gwent. He stood as an independent against Labour candidate Maggie Jones.

Mr Law won Blaenau Gwent, previously the safest Labour seat in Wales, by a majority of more than 9,000.

Mr Law said the new group could possibly be known as the Blaenau Gwent Socialist Association and the first meeting may be in March.

"It includes people from all walks of life and that is so good because they can all see the need for change."

Ian Morgan, a former Labour member, said people at the meeting "all wanted change. They have had enough of the powers-that-be."

Former Labour mayor of Blaenau Gwent, Rex Herbert, who was also expelled for his support of Mr Law, said he did not want a new party. "I didn't leave to form a new party - I was thrown out because I resented the way they were treating members, throwing democracy out of the window."