DEPUTY first minister Mike German was due to join the election campaign in Newport today.

With the Assembly enjoying a half-term break, AMs are likely to become a familiar sight on the campaign trail.

Mr German will be hoping for a warmer welcome in John Frost Square than he has at the Assembly over the last few weeks. Opposition parties have called for him to resign over allegations relating to his former job as head of the European Unit at the Welsh Joint Education Committee - the Welsh exam board. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Mr German is joining Newport West candidate Veronica Watkins collecting signatures for a petition calling on the government to pay for the long-term care of the elderly.

The Liberal Democrats have already successfully campaigned for such a policy in Scotland, and hope for the same in England and Wales.