Five-person shortlist for Torfaen selection announced

The shortlist for the Labour selection in Torfaen has been announced today. The five people up for the safe Labour seat are:

• Joss Garman
• Hywel Lloyd
• Majid Rahman
• Nick Thomas-Symonds
• Sarah Woodall

The seat has been Labour since 1983 (when it was created), and Paul Murphy has been returned as the MP for it at every election since 1987. The former Wales Secretary announced his decision to retire last month, saying he felt it was time for someone younger to “carry the Labour flag in our valley”. Labour confirmed the seat would be an open selection a week later. The final selection will take place in March.

Pau Murphy leaves behind a majority of almost 10,000.