The leader of the Labour Party addressed reports of tension with Andy Burnham after the metro mayor criticised a lack of support for his programme for the region.

Keir Starmer responded to the reports during an exclusive interview with The Messenger this week.

On Wednesday, in an interview on Times Radio to discuss the introduction of the Manchester Baccalaureate, Mr Burnham criticised the party for briefing against him.

He told presenter Matt Chorley: "Whenever I go out there with something positive, the Westminster negative briefing machine somehow clicks into gear. 

"All I'll say to them is leave me alone. I'm out there supporting the party and working for a Labour government, as everyone is, but I'm doing my thing. 

"I'm building a powerful, positive agenda for Greater Manchester. To have the old ways of Westminster trying to cut across it with their negative briefing and their insecurity, I don't know what purpose they think it serves."

Messenger Newspapers: Andy BurnhamAndy Burnham (Image: PA)

Although Mr Burnham stopped short of accusing Sir Keir of a lack of support, referring instead to "unelected people who are in their 20s and 30s who think they know it all", the comments caused rumours of tension between the two of them. The Times newspaper said a Labour Party source suggested the metro mayor was "really annoying".

Sir Keir rubbished these rumours during an exclusive interview with The Messenger.

He said: "I’m supportive of Andy’s programme. He and I are good colleagues and we’ve worked together for years. 

"When I first joined Parliament as an MP in 2015 it was Andy’s team I went to work for and we worked well together. 

"If we are privileged to form a Labour government I look forward to working hand in hand alongside each other because what he wants to achieve and what I want to achieve are the same thing."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.