The conference was told that Labour's shadow cabinet would visit Wales in the run-up to the 2015 general election to learn from Labour assembly members.

BBC: Wales politics

Andrew Lansley, the Conservatives' shadow cabinet office minister, said Mr Bell's decision to run would not reflect badly on the party at the polls.

BBC: You are in: UK Politics

But while invoking the memory of Mr Chavez may have been a good campaign strategy, working under his shadow may be risky for Mr Maduro in the long run, according to Mr Magdaleno.

BBC: How will Hugo Chavez's legacy impact Venezuela's polls?