A South Wales Argus journalist received an unexpected response while interviewing John Prescott - as the deputy prime minister told him to "bugger off".

Reporter Mark Choueke asked the MP to comment on a decision by Labour National Assembly Member Peter Law to stand against his own party in the general election.

But Mr Prescott, who was on an official visit to Gwent as part of his election trail, refused to answer Mark's questions - and instead accused him of being an "amateur".

He told Mark (pictured) the Blaenau Gwent AM's decision to stand as an independent was a "Welsh situation" and that he was a national politician.

Mark said: "It was a simple question on the biggest issue of the day in Wales and we thought the deputy prime minister would be in an ideal position to comment on it.

"I was shocked at his response - I've never been sworn at before by a politician and found his attitude incredible."

Assistant editor Mark Templeton added: "Since we broke the story Labour has accused Mark of being arrogant which is like the pot calling the kettle black.

"We were told we had a five minute slot with Mr Prescott but it turned into 30 seconds because he didn't like the question.

"It was hardly a Paxman-style interview - it was a simple question which required a simple answer."

Following the outburst, the Argus decided to run the full interview transcript in the paper.

Below is what was said:

Mark Choueke: How did you and your cabinet colleagues react to Peter Law's decision to quit the party after 35 years service to Blaenau Gwent as a Labour politician?

John Prescott: It didn't even register with us. The voters just have one choice, vote Labour otherwise they'll end up with a Tory government. It's unfortunate that some of our decisions upset some people.

MC: But this isn't about upsetting Peter Law, it's about upsetting the many thousands of Labour voters in Blaenau Gwent who helped you form a strong government ­ they feel alienated.

JP: Why are you asking me about this, I don't care, it's a Welsh situation, I'm a national politician.

MC: Are you too big to care about the Labour voters in Blaenau Gwent? Do you think there may be something in your party's methods of working that require a rethink when a politician chooses to stand against you after 35 years service to Labour?

JP (walking away): Where do they get these amateurs from? You're an amateur mate, go get on your bus, go home.

MC: Are you too big for the regional press now John?

JP: Bugger off - get on your bus you amateur.

MC (Following Deputy Prime Minister): Is my interview over John? Because if that's all you've got to say, that's what will go in the paper.

JP (turns aggressively back to reporter): Ooohh, I'm scared, go ahead, put it in your paper.

Labour candidate for Monmouth Huw Edwards: I could answer this question for you Mark...

MC: I hoped to hear what the deputy prime minister had to say about it.

JP (now ignoring reporter): I've never seen a school in such a lovely setting.

MC: Is that my interview over?