HE’S perhaps better known for his acting and music than his politics - having appeared in Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Pobol y Cwm, many pantomimes at Newport's Riverfront and notched up a number one single.

But now Brian Hibbard is to work along side Blaenau Gwent independent Assembly candidate Jayne Sullivan as her agent for this May’s elections.

Mr Hibbard, 64 and originally from Ebbw Vale, says he been interested in politics since he was a teenager and had been involved with political theatre companies as a youngster.

The name of his group, the Flying Pickets, who had a number one hit with 'Only You', also had left-wing connotations. He said: “They weren’t called that for commercial reasons!”

Mr Hibbard was one of the original members of the sextet when it was formed in 1982 from members of the socialist 7:84 Theatre group.

After a stint playing pubs and clubs and a successful self-published record, the Flying Pickets signed to Virgin records in 1983 and released probably their best known single ‘Only You’ the same year.

The song went to number one, staying there for a whole five weeks.

After he left the Flying Pickets in 1985 Mr Hibbard went into acting, appearing a number of TV shows and films over the years including Revolver and Twin Town.

Mr Hibbard has also worked as a regular on several soap operas, playing Doug Murray in Coronation Street, Bobby-John Downs in Emmerdale and Johnny Mac in Pobol y Cwm.

He said he had previously supported independent AM Trish Law, who is standing down this May, and had heard of Ms Sullivan’s successful campaigning work on cancer treatments brachytherapy and herceptin.

As her election agent, Mr Hibbard will be legally responsible for the proper management of her campaign - including its financial aspects.

“I had a meeting with her and her supporters in Ebbw Vale and decided that I would be her election agent,” he said.

“I do think she’s in with a good chance because of her track record. She gets things done.

“I don’t doubt that, if elected, she will fight Blaenau Gwent’s corner equally as hard in the Assembly with the determination and true grit for which she is renowned.”

Other candidates running in Blaenau Gwent include Jeffrey Mitchell for the Conservatives and Alun Davies AM for Labour, currently a regional member for Mid and West Wales. A candidate for the Liberal Democrats is yet to be selected.