Welsh constituencies reject Alun Michael

THE BID by Alun Michael, Secretary of State for Wales, to be elected leader of the Welsh Assembly appeared to be in trouble yesterday when the deadline for nominations closed.

Of the 40 Welsh constituency Labour parties, 22 have nominated Rhodri Morgan, the MP for Cardiff West, with eight backing Mr Michael and the other 10 not stating a preference.

One of the biggest blows to Mr Michael's campaign was delivered by the Blaenau Gwent Party meeting at Ebbw Vale yesterday. Mr Morgan received 66 votes, Mr Michael 27, and Roger Warren Evans, a Swansea businessman, eight.

The result, determined by an electoral college, will be declared on 20 February.