MP Huw Irranca-Davies in Welsh assembly seat bid

Ogmore Labour MP Huw Irranca-Davies said he wants to stand for the Welsh assembly during next year's elections.

He is seeking nomination as AM Janice Gregory is standing down from the safe Ogmore seat in Bridgend county.

Mr Irranca-Davies, who has been an MP since 2002, is the most high profile Westminster politician to consider a move to the assembly in recent years.

He said: "I have mulled over this for two to three years but I thought the opportunity would never come up."

A decision will now have to be made by Welsh Labour about whether the party's candidate is chosen from an open or an all-women list.

"I do not think Westminster is the be all and end all," said Mr Irranca-Davies.

"We should stop being humble about the Welsh assembly and the Welsh government and start saying that this is the place that really matters.

"I hope it's a sign that the Senedd is gaining in importance and credibility."

Mr Irranca-Davies is already co-ordinating Labour's assembly election campaign for next May.