First Minister Rhodri Morgan: 'Look after Wrexham'

He claimed that Barry Jones was asked to delay his decision to step down as MP for Alyn and Deeside to allow Labour party executives to draw up a shortlist to replace him.

"If there were complaints coming from Alyn and Deeside Constituency Labour Party, then of course we'd take them up," said Mr Morgan.

"But John Marek is in the next door constituency and should be looking after Wrexham.

"Alyn and Deeside will look after Alyn and Deeside."

Dr Marek had said that because Mr Jones's announcement to stand down was so close to the expected spring poll, the shortlist for his replacement will be drawn up by Labour party executives in London and Cardiff rather than constituency members.

Tony Blair wants a quite life in the House of Commons. He wants Blairite poodles who will do what he says

John Marek

He said Barry Jones appeared to have delayed the announcement on Friday that he was stepping down after consultations with the prime minister.

"The local people must be able to decide who they want as their candidate," said Dr Marek.

"Tony Blair wants a quiet life in the House of Commons. He wants Blairite poodles who will do what he says."

'Quite outrageous'

He then referred to the controversy over the selection of a Labour leader of the assembly following Ron Davies's resignation when Millbank was accused of "parachuting" in the former Home Office minister Alun Michael.

"They tried Alun Michael and how long did that last? Nine months," said Dr Marek.

House of Commons Labour Leader Margaret Beckett also dismissed the claims as "quite outrageous" and added that the selection of candidates was carried out by a democratic process agreed by the party.

The chair of the Wales Labour Party Jean Brady said the selection of a Labour candidate to replace Barry Jones would be "transparent and open".

"The NEC and Welsh Executive can put forward people who they like but it will be party members in Alyn and Deeside who decide," she said.