RMT union boss Bob Crow wants a socialist candidate

Dr Marek alleges a "dirty tricks" campaign prompted members to drop him from the election line-up after 20 years in the seat.

Angered Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union boss Bob Crow is considering backing him to stand independently, an idea already floated by the politician.

After meeting Monday lunchtime, the pair will first exhaust one final avenue, writing to general secretary David Triesman to seek a U-turn on Labour's decision.

But the plea is likely to fall on deaf years, leaving Dr Marek to fight for re-election virtually alone.

'Smears'

Dr Marek was not selected after local discontent and claims of "disloyalty" over his criticism of the Labour-led administration.

John Marek has been deselected by his party

His successor is his ex-secretary Lesley Griffiths, whose councillor husband Gareth allegedly began a smear campaign by writing a letter to Wrexham members a year ago.

Dr Marek lost a subsequent appeal, which he labelled a "whitewash", and is considering legal action.

RMT general secretary Mr Crow, whose union is affiliated to Labour, last week said it was "an absolute shame that a committed socialist like John has been kicked out".

He hinted he may back the AM if he stood as a socialist.

Support

After the two met at the union's London headquarters, that support looks more likely, with the two left only to hear Labour's response to their request before making a decision.

If I stand against an official Labour Party candidate, I will be expelled John Marek AM

But Labour's Mr Triesman is unlikely to step in to the row - the party executive has already turned down Dr Marek's appeal.

The AM is due to announce his next steps this week, possibly Friday.

"We've got to go the extra mile," Dr Marek told BBC Radio Wales.

"But I want to avoid doing it, I don't want to do it."

"If I stand against an official Labour Party candidate, I will be expelled.

"The union, if it supports me officially, will also be expelled. I don't think the union will risk being expelled."

'Outstanding'

The RMT also threw its support behind Ken Livingstone when he stood as an independent candidate in the London mayoral elections following Labour's failure to select him.

Bob Crow last week said Dr Marek was an "outstanding fighter for workers in the transport industry".

"The Labour Party and the public at large want better public services, and all John has tried to do is articulate the views of the public he tried to represent," he said.

Mrs Griffiths has disregarded his comments and has sought to distance herself from her husband's letter.