Ex-Blaenau Gwent MP Llew Smith dies after cancer battle

Former Blaenau Gwent MP Llew Smith has died following a cancer battle, his family have said.

The 77-year-old “radical socialist” succeeded Michael Foot as MP in 1992 and held the seat until he stood down at the 2005 election.

The constituency was made in 1983 and includes Aneurin Bevan's old seat, Ebbw Vale.

In the 1983 and 1992 general elections, Blaenau Gwent was Labour's safest seat in the united kingdom.

But the party lost the constituency in 2005 when Peter Law, who had been the local Labour member in the Welsh Assembly, ran as an independent carrying out a bitter row within the imposition of the all-women shortlist.

The Welsh party's leader, First Minister Mark Drakeford, said: “I'm saddened to listen to of Llew's passing.

“As a Member of the European Parliament and the Person in Parliament for Blaenau Gwent, Llew was a fierce advocate for that communities he represented.

“He was firm in his beliefs, and never shied from speaking on the important problems with the day.

“Llew was a radical socialist within the Blaenau Gwent tradition.

“My system is with Llew's family and friends at this hard time.”

Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith, who won the seat back for Labour this year and it has a 8,647 majority, said: “I'm very sad to hear that Llew Smith has transpired away.

“Llew will be missed by many people.

“He was a well-respected MP who battled for the constituency against the Conservatives every day.

“He was very sure of his principles and did his best by Blaenau Gwent.

“My condolences to his family.”