Goodway's Westminster hopes dashed

Russell Goodway can still apply to another seat

The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Russell Goodway, who was at the centre of a row over a massive increase in his allowances, has failed in a bid to become a Labour parliamentary candidate.

Councillor Goodway was unable to secure a nomination as a potential prospective candidate for the Aberavon constituency.

The sitting MP, John Morris, is retiring at the next General Election.

Briefly Britain's highest paid councillor, Mr Goodway finally conceded to political pressure and accepted a cut in his allowances earlier this month.

Fierce competition

Mr Goodway has made no secret of his ambition to become a Labour MP.

Aberavon is one of Labour's safest seats with present MP John Morris gaining a majority of 21,000 in the 1997 General Election.

Competition to become the candidate for the seat has been fierce with over 30 applications. Only nine nominations have been accepted.

Mr Goodway failed to get the backing of a Labour ward or a trade union and it is thought the recent wrangle over allowances for Cardiff councillors may have damaged his chances.

Prominent names

He is still on the approved list to become a Labour Party candidate so the way is open for him to apply for nomination in another seat.

It is known that some prominent Labour names have made the shortlist of nominees for the Aberavon seat.

Among them is former MEP Wayne David, who quit Europe to stand in Rhondda during the National Assembly elections. He was beaten by Plaid Cymru's Geraint Davies.

Aberavon constituency chairwoman Margaret Frayne has also made the shortlist.