[2] Knowing that his likelihood of victory in a traditionally pro-Labour region was high, Michael chose to resign early in order for the Westminster by-election to be able to be held at the same time as the PCC election rather than forcing voters to go to the polls again a few weeks later.

On 22 October 2012, Alun Michael was appointed Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern,[3][4] the manner in which resignations from the House of Commons are permitted.

The Labour and Co-operative Party selected the head of Oxfam Cymru[6] Stephen Doughty[7] as its candidate in July 2012 in controversial circumstances.

Although initially excluded from the shortlist, Doughty was actively endorsed by the then incumbent Labour MP Alun Michael (a long-time family friend)[8] who insisted on his inclusion and advocated his selection.

Some Labour activists considered Michael's involvement was improper saying "It’s no business at all of an outgoing MP to interfere in the selection of a candidate to succeed him in such a way".

The party described him as a trade unionist employed as a researcher at the National Assembly who specialises in finance, transport and local government.

[12] Jordan previously headed the SLP list of candidates for South Wales Central in the 2011 Welsh Assembly Elections.

[15] Cardiff South and Penarth was viewed as one of the safest Labour seats in Britain but ever since 1997 Alun Michael had seen his majority being progressively eroded.