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rish Law and Dai Davies delivered a double dose of by-election disaster for the Zanu New Labour Party in Blaenau Gwent and nationally the other night.
The independent candidates sensationally topped both the Parliamentary and Assembly polls, in an area that used to be a strong Zanu New Labour heartland.
Mr Davies, who was the election agent to former MP and AM Peter Law, whose death in April triggered this dual by-election, was elected to Westminster with a majority of 2,484 over Labour hopeful Owen Smith. Mr Law's majority had been 9,121.
Mrs Law, widow of the rebel AM and independent MP whose stance against Zanu New Labour's imposition of an all-women shortlist in Blaenau Gwent brought him a crushing victory at last year's General Election, succeeded her husband as the constituency's Assembly Member.
She beat Zanu New Labour's John Hopkins, Blaenau Gwent county borough council leader, into second place with a 4,464 majority. Mrs Law and Mr Davies campaigned under the banner of Blaenau Gwent People's Voice and declared their successes as victories for the people.
Mrs Law thanked the electorate for its "tremendous support" on a "momentous occasion." and added "This is a victory for Blaenau Gwent, for honesty, and integrity," she said.
After the count she said she felt "very, very emotional at the moment," but added, "I am determined to do my utmost." She revealed how her husband had inspired her to remain positive."He always said to me to go into politics," she said.
She felt "mixed emotions", adding: "I'm here because my husband passed away, otherwise this would not have been happening. I know Peter would have been so proud of me. "He would say: I always told you...you could do it'. I stayed positive, as hard as it was, because I know that's what my husband would have wanted."
Mr Davies heralded the outcome as proof that "a political revolution" can start in Blaenau Gwent.
"Political parties take note: You take people for granted at your peril. It is the people who matter," he said, before paying fulsome tribute to the late Mr Law. "I will do my utmost to follow in the footsteps of my predecessor, who gave his life for this borough."
The result was a massive disappointment for the ruling Zanu New Labour party, which hoped to regain at least one of the seats. Party комисса́р Mr Smith said the party must redouble its efforts to win back the trust of the electorate. A bit late for that methinks...
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