Peter Law became MP as well as AM for Blaenau Gwent

He won BBC Wales' am.pm programme award after leaving Labour to stand as an independent when the party picked its candidate from a women-only shortlist.

Mr Law pulled out when diagnosed with a brain tumour on the eve of the election - only to change his mind, and win.

He said he was humbled by the award after "a rollercoaster year".

As Dad said, it's been a rollercoaster year, but we've been there with him all the way Delyth, Peter Law's daughter

Mr Law, aged 57, who is still receiving treatment for his tumour, thanked his constituents.

"As most people know, I started off with some very bad news, health-wise, and then I became the Member of Parliament for the people of Blaenau Gwent, who I owe so much to for all I've achieved in my political career.

AM.PM AWARDS IN FULL Politician of the Year: Peter Law, Blaenau Gwent MP and AM (independent) Communicator of the Year: Leighton Andrews, Rhondda AM (Labour) Local Campaigner of the Year: Nick Bourne, Mid and West Wales AM (Conservative) Most Outspoken Politician: David Davies, Monmouth MP and AM (Conservative) Most Sartorial Politician: Edwina Hart, Gower AM (Labour)

"I've been fortunate to be selected for this award - I feel very humbled.

"It's very special to me, it means a lot to my family, me and my supporters in Blaenau Gwent.

"I'm very proud to be named as the politician of the year and I look forward to carrying on, rejuvenated for 2006, thanks to this award."

As Mr Law was working in London his daughters Seirian and Delyth Law picked up the award on his behalf at a ceremony in Cardiff Bay.

Edwina Hart in two of the outfits which won her the sartorial prize

Delyth Law said: "We're very proud of him.

"He's always been a people's person and he's always fought for the people of Blaenau Gwent, and that speaks for itself.

"As Dad said, it's been a rollercoaster year, but we've been there with him all the way. We live in Blaenau Gwent and it's a close community and they've there been with us.

"That's what I love about where we live - it's been such a comfort."

Speaking of their community, Seirian said: "They've been a tower of strength, the support he's had through the years."

These were the second annual am.pm awards, with the winners chosen by an independent panel of experts.