Obituary: Peter Law - rebel who found a cause

Elected as a Labour AM, he left the party in protest at a compulsory all-women shortlist in his constituency for the 2005 general election.

In one of Labour's safest seats, he stood against the party's official candidate and won, sweeping aside the party's majority of 19,000.

Below are some of your tributes to Peter Law.

I was due to be the Assembly candidate for Plaid in 2003 before I lost my job - and Peter Law always showed me the utmost respect and civility. When he found out I was made redundant he offered any help he could give. Today, Wales lost a great man. Our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time.
Adam Rykala, Blaina,Wales

A man of principle who had the courage to fight for equality (true equality, not negative discrimination masquerading as positive discrimination, as it does) during a very trying time for himself and his family.
Stuart Edwards, Hitchin, Herts, UK

We extend our deepest sympathy to all Peter's family. What a wonderful man
Evans, Ebbw Vale Uk

Peter was a very kind and respectable man who always fought for the right things. He will be sadly missed
Sarah White, Ebbw Vale

I had the honour to fight against him as Plaid candidate in the historic Blaenau Gwent election in 2005 and respected him greatly Norman John Price, Glyn Ebwy, Cymru

True to his beliefs R.I.P.
Brenda, Magor

Our condolences to Trish and family. Peter was a fine and honourable gentleman and it was a pleasure to have known him. R.I.P.
Demos & Maria Joannou, Cambridgeshire, formerly Nantyglo

I am deeply saddened by Peter Law's death. I had the honour to fight against him as Plaid candidate in the historic Blaenau Gwent election in 2005 and respected him greatly. He was truly a man of the people - my condolences to Trish and his family.
Norman John Price, Glyn Ebwy, Cymru

Mr Law, was a polite, and kind Person who, always got my support in the elections. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers, goes out to his family.
Melanie Bennett, Blaina Abertillery South Wales

A very sad loss for his family, friends and the constituents of Blaenau Gwent who benfitted greatly from his vision, courage and principles. I only hope his example can be followed by more who are willing to stand up for their beliefs, and not do only what they are told. He will be missed.
Richard, Ebbw Vale, Gwent

I am one Welshman who did not share his enthusiasm for devolution but what a truly excellent example he was of a politician being a very strong advocate for an area that they cleared loved. My sympathies to people in Blaenau Gwent!
Mark, London, UK

Peter Law brought honesty and principle to politics at a time when it is so desperately needed in this country. He needed no other honour than the heartfelt tributes expressed on this site.
H. Morgan, Cardiff

This will be a lose to the people of Blaenau Gwent. He was true to his word and stuck by his principle not a YES man, if he was he would have got furthur in government. Not fully recognised for work. A sad day for all, my sympathy to his family.
pauline jones, LLANHILLETH

I have known Peter and Trish for many years and am saddened by Peter's passing but also very proud of what he did for the whole of Blaenau Gwent. He was a remarkable man and followed his beliefs to the end. All my sympathies go to Trish and his family at this time and beleive this heaven ir richer for his presence
Hazel, Nantyglo

We send out our thoughts and deepest sympathy to the family of peter Law
Sirhowy tenants & residents group, Tredegar

We will honour his memory if we try to emulate his courage, principles and dedication.
Nicky Heyworth, Chagford Devon England

He gave us pride and the courage to stand up and be counted and this we must never forget. Cheryl Morris, Abertillery

During my years working for the Gwent Gazette, we always looked forward to Peter's Tuesday visits when we could laugh and joke with him. He was not just a politican but a friend too and took a great interest in all our careers! He was always true to Blaenau Gwent and I was so brave to run in last year's election. I stayed up all night for the result and the people of Walthamstow were somewhat confused to see the 'Vote Peter Law' poster in my car and window. Peter will be sorely missed and should be listed with Aneurin Bevan and Michael Foot as one of the political greats of our valleys.
Keira Hammond, London (formerly of Blaina)

Sometimes in our life we are fortunate to meet someone who stands head and shoulders above all others. That man for us was Peter Law. Peter was a giant of a man, not in stature but in principle, who gave so much for his beloved people, the folk of Blaenau Gwent. He gave us pride and the courage to stand up and be counted and this we must never forget. He will never be forgotten and I for one am PROUD to call him not just a colleague but a friend. Our heartfelt sympathy and love is sent to Trisha and the family.
Liberal Democrat Cllr. Cheryl Morris , Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent

He was an example of what the Welsh Assembly should and could be if its government looked to Wales and not Westminster for its policy.
Nia, South Wales

A man of principle and integrity, not generally found in today's career politicians. New Labour beware if you intend to force a politcally correct candidate at the by-election.
Dave Hughes, Mold N.Wales

I was at Velindre at the same time as Peter Law he was an inspiration to all who saw him. He always had a smile and was committed to his work, even after udergoing treatment. I will always remember him.
Sallie Davies, Ynysddu ccb

A man who possessed something that all politicians should aspire to - integrity Paul, Swansea

I was both shocked and saddened by the news of Mr Laws death. He proved himself to be a peoples politicians who cared about the people of Gwent. It is a sad day for the people of Gwent who will truly miss Mr Law and his caring work he undertook. All my sympathy goes out to his family who will no doubt miss him more then us. May you rest in eternal peace Mr Law and thank you for all that you did for us.
Clive Denton, Tredegar

A man who possessed something that all politicians should aspire to - Integrity. Welsh and British politics are much the poorer today. RIP Mr Law
Paul, Swansea, South Wales

It is such a sad loss to loose someone with great love, care, motivation and drive for what he truly believed in. I was very lucky to know peter personally, and I and many people will miss him greatly. such a tremendous man. God Bless xxxxx
Cerys Young, Newport, south Wales

Mr Law was one of the very few politicians who was brave enough to stand up for his principles. There is a need for people like him and it is sad to see him go in a time when we need more people like him.
Shazad Fazal, Halifax

To me, he will forever be known as Uncle Pete. I can't tell you how sad I am for Tish, Cerian, Fenton, Seirian, Duluth and Rhodium. Peter inspired me always to be the best I could. He also lived his life by that mantra. Everything he did was with others in mind. He cared passionately for the people of Blaenau Gwent. We will never be able to replace him. Politics will never be the same; our family will never be the same. Uncle Pete, I am so proud of you.
Gareth J Jones, Nant-y-glo

A very special man who will be very sadly missed.
Keith Dunn Chief Executive St John Cymru - Wales, Cardiff

Peter was one of the few politicians who always put his constituents first and truly cared about the people he represented he will be sadly missed. My sympathy goes to Trish and family
M. Evans, Ebbw Vale - Wales

It is a great loss to the nation of a fearless and fair man. I had the privilege to have known him for over two decades and always felt that he had the interests of the common man at heart K.T.Rajan, Cardiff

A sad day for Blaenau Gwent. Peter Law was a friend to the people of Blaenau Gwent for many years before achieving national fame. We don't have many of his mould any more. Commiserations to Trish and Family
P. Beaumont, Barnsley S. Yorks

He was one of the funniest, warmest and most colourful of politicians in Wales. It is a tragedy that he was not rehabilitated back into the Labour Party before his untimely death - though he remained amusingly partisan till the end. Welsh politics is a drabber place without him.
Chris Isaac, London, England

Peter was a true politician who put the people before the politics. He was a loyal AM/MP who can never be replaced. He believed in democracy to its true meaning something which many from the Labour party he once loved can learn a lot from. He opposed the Labour party and his Governments policy of an all woman list because it was not a policy which would serve the people of Blaenau Gwent well and the people agreed with him by sending a very clear message. I will miss Peter very much, he was a dear friend and I send my sincere condolences to his dear family and the people of Blaenau Gwent.
Alison Hobbs-National Secretary Forward Wales, Caerphilly

It is a great loss to the nation of a fearless and fair man. I had the privilege to have known him for over two decades and always felt that he had the interests of the common man at heart. He would have made a good leader of the Welsh Assembly and alas it was not to be?
K.T.Rajan, Cardiff

As a politics student, Peter Law struck me of great principle and a man of his convictions. Politics is a poorer place for his passing Jordan Dias, London/Edinburgh

No individual in contemporary welsh politics has done more to defend the respect which ordinary constituents should be afforded. A terribly sad loss.
Ronnie Spraggs, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales

I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Peter Law on a number of occasions during my local government career - he was a true gentleman . Please convey my deepest sympathy to his family.
Nan Lewis, Carmarthen

As a politics student, Peter Law struck me of great principle and a man of his convictions. Politics is a poorer place for his passing.
Jordan Dias, London/Edinburgh, UK

He was a giant of a man thoughtful of all others even during his own illness. Who can now walk in his shoes????
Janet Pugh, Nantyglo

A Good Man has Gone to Rest May he rest in peace and may the good lord help his family
Simon Lloyd, Mountain Ash

What sad news! One of the highlights of last year's election was the dignity and decency with which he gave his election address...
Michael McGowan, London UK

I feel sad yet proud for the country as a whole, that such a man not only existed but made his mark. How many men of principle are left in politics now?
CK Yoe, London

There will be great comfort to his family knowing his beliefs had been proved right Joane Morgan, Blaina Gwent

Peter had great courage and principle, a man who stood up for his people. We will miss a great friend and a talented politician. His courage, determination, wit and personality will be missed. He was unique.
Jonathan Morgan AM , Cardiff

A sad day for welsh politics. A great man first and a great politician second. R.I.P
Chris H, Ebbw vale , Wales

Peter was a truly outstanding and remarkable man who will be greatly missed in all aspects of his life. There will be great comfort to his family knowing his beliefs had been proved right. My greatest sympathies go out to them on the loss of Blaenau Gwent's finest & most honourable man.
Joane Morgan, Blaina Gwent

From his protest came out the best from his constituency loyalty, decency, and a man for the people.
K Parry, N Wales