John Hopkins is married with two daughters and four grandchildren

Mr Hopkins is likely to be challenged by supporters of Peter Law, who left Labour to become independent MP for the seat at last May's general election.

Mr Law, also the local Assembly Member, was against all-women shortlists to pick the parliamentary candidate, and overturned a huge Labour majority.

Mr Hopkins was chosen from a shortlist of two men and two women on Thursday.

The elections for the Welsh assembly will take place in May 2007.

Labour said Mr Hopkins had won the selection "decisively" in the secret ballot at Ebbw Vale.

Peter Law overturned a huge Labour majority to become the MP

Mr Hopkins is a former chemistry teacher who has led the council for eight years.

He said Labour's achievements in Blaenau Gwent were "unquestionable," and included a new rail link, community hospital, and the regeneration of the former Corus site.

Mr Hopkins added: "But more important than the numbers and the facts are the local people who made them possible, the courageous and determined people of Blaenau Gwent who rightly expect the best for their families.