Rhodri Morgan

Peter Hain and Rhodri Morgan are spearheading a campaign to highlight Labour's record on job creation in Wales ahead of May's assembly election.

The Welsh secretary and the assembly's first minister are continuing a week-long tour in a bid to convince the public that the devolved administration is delivering on its key pledge of boosting economic prosperity.

Both men visit Blackwood on Tuesday, where they will be giving their backing to Irene James, Labour's prospective assembly candidate for the Islwyn constituency.

The constituency saw a surprise win for Plaid Cymru in the first elections to the devolved assembly, a result which sent shockwaves through Labour ranks as grassroots supporters rebelled against the perceived imposition of Alun Michael as first minister.

Hain and Morgan are seeking to boost Labour's support in a bid to form a majority administration and reduce reliance on the Liberal Democrat coalition partners.

On Wednesday the Welsh secretary will be campaigning in Cardiff. And on Thursday and Friday the first minister takes the campaign to north Wales, including a visit to Ynys Mon, the assembly seat held by Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones but won by Labour in the 2001 Westminster election.

The Labour Party said the tour was highlighting its "commitment to creating more, better paid jobs and to boost prosperity for people in Wales".

"Our aim is full employment for the first time in a generation," said Morgan.

"We want quality jobs for all parts of Wales, helping to create higher paid jobs in new growth areas. We also want to build an entrepreneurial Wales, helping people bring their ideas to market and supporting small businesses to grow."

Hain said the administrations in Cardiff and London were working well together. "There's economic stability through Westminster and job creation through the assembly, with 36,000 new jobs since 1999," he said.

"This tour will visit the companies and organisations big and small who are creating a world class Wales.

"We are taking our positive message out across Wales, starting our first big push to get people out for our Wales general election on May 1."