INDEPENDENT Pontypool councillor Fred Wildgust is to contest the Torfaen seat at the next general election, the Free Press can reveal.

The seat, held by Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy for the past 22 years, has traditionally been a Labour stronghold. The seat was created in 1983 when it was held by the charismatic Leo Abse who had been the sitting MP in the former Pontypool constituency for 25 years.

Cllr Wildgust says he is not daunted by the prospect of trying to overturn a 14,791 majority, saying the area is ready for "radical political change".

But his announcement ruffled few feathers in Paul Murphy's office, with the Welsh Secretary saying: "I relish any opportunity to discuss the future of our valley but at the moment of course my focus is firmly concentrated on helping local families and businesses through this difficult period.

"As a local boy raised in Abersychan, it is always an honour to serve the people of Torfaen."

Cllr Wildgust represents the Pontypool ward since beating former Labour councillor Lyn Irwin last May by 120 votes.

The former miner, who has a degree in politics and economics from Aberystwyth University, added: "I've always been interested in politics but never thought I would end up standing for MP myself. I only decided to stand after I joined the council, discovered more about local politics and realised the massive need for change."

Cllr Wildgust has earned himself a reputation as a maverick over the past months and says holding the local authority to account as well as securing inward investment and combating crime will be high on his agenda.

He said: "I know it's going to be a national election but people will still base their vote on local issues."

An election must be called before June 2010. The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and People’s Voice parties say they will all contest the seat and are in the process of selecting candidates. Cllr Wildgust, is married to Pontypool Museum curator Deborah, and has two children from a previous marriage. The Yorkshireman has lived in Pontypool for the past nine years where he runs a business.