AM recovers from tumour surgery

The former Blaenau Gwent mayor has been an AM since 1999

Blaenau Gwent assembly member Peter Law is recovering on a high dependency ward after a six-hour operation in Cardiff to remove a brain tumour.

He scrapped plans to stand against his own party, Labour, in the general election after suddenly becoming ill. He opposes all-women shortlists.

University Hospital of Wales doctors said Mr Law's senses and movement had not been affected by the surgery.

The 56-year-old is expected to remain in hospital for up to eight weeks.

My faith is with (doctors) and I hope they will be able to help me Peter Law AM

Only members of Mr Law's family will be able to visit him until Saturday, when he will be moved from the Cardiff hospital's high dependency unit to a general ward for observation.

Doctors have said they are not certain whether he will have to undergo further operations.

The politician found out about his condition after suffering "slight pain" for two weeks.

Speaking at his office in Ebbw Vale on Monday, Mr Law said: "It's obviously quite a big shock for me.

"I have to look to the future for my wife and children and my own health.

The Blaenau Gwent AM is given best wishes as he leaves his office

"In fact I leave here today to go straight to the University Hospital of Wales, where the doctors and surgeons will look to tell me what the correct procedure of treatment will be.

"My faith is with them and I hope they will be able to help me."

Mr Law had been due to officially announce he was standing as an MP on Monday, the day before the general election was called.

Labour said Mr Law would have expelled himself from the party had he stood as a candidate, but after hearing of his illness, it said the door was open for him to remain in the party.

However, it is not clear whether Mr Law has decided to remain a Labour member. If he sits as an independent in the assembly, Labour would lose its slim majority there.