JOHN Prescott's outburst at an Argus reporter caused a storm of political protest yesterday.

We exclusively revealed how the deputy prime minister told Mark Choueke to "bugger off" after being asked about AM Peter Law's decision to stand as an independent candidate.

The story was quickly followed up by ITV, BBC and Sky News, as well as most national newspapers today.

John Prescott's office said Mr Choueke had acted "unreasonably and unprofessionally, returning to the same question repeatedly," and accused him of being arrogant.

But it was Mr Prescott who came under fire yesterday. Peter Law said the deputy prime minister was a "bully and acted with shameful arrogance".

He said: "Who is John Prescott to talk to an Argus reporter like that? The actual response was shameful and arrogant but the spin the party has since put on it underlines the underhand tactics of New Labour."

Llew Smith, outgoing MP for Blaenau Gwent, said: "What Prescott said shows an incredible arrogance and indicates that local community issues don't matter to the deputy PM."

Conservative parliamentary candidate for Monmouth, David Davies, called on Mr Prescott to apologise unreservedly and said: "The Labour Party must give an assurance that they will not send any more foul-mouthed politicians into the constituency for the rest of the campaign.

"Mr Prescott should apologise. The South Wales Argus is a highly respected newspaper and it is outrageous that someone like the deputy prime minister should behave in this way."

South Wales East Lib Dem AM Mike German said: "John Prescott's disdain for Labour voters is all too evident. The people of the Valleys have been taken for granted by Labour for too long.

A Plaid Cymru spokesman commented: "When it comes to Wales John Prescott always makes a big impact but unfortunately for all the wrong reasons.."

Huw Edwards, who was with Mr Choueke at the time of the outburst said: "I think Mark could have had a more courteous approach and Mr Prescott could have given a more courteous response."