Jeremy Corbyn has given his full support to Laura Pidcock, the Labour MP who said she could never be friends with a Conservative.

The Labour leader said: “Laura Pidcock was saying it as she sees it, from the heart.”

Ms Pidcock, who represents North West Durham, was criticised after she said in an interview: “I have absolutely no intention of being friends with any of them”. She added; “The idea that they’re not the enemy is simply delusional.”

But many Labour activists backed her comments, And she’s now received the whole-hearted support of Mr Corbyn, as he spoke to BBC One’s Sunday Politics North East and Cumbria.

He said: “I completely disagree with Conservative philosophy.

“I completely disagree with the brutality of the society that they create.

“Laura Pidcock was saying it as she sees it, from the heart, from her region.

“I think Laura Pidcock’s a fantastic MP. She has my complete support.”

Mr Corbyn added: “She was speaking out about the effects on young people in her constituency of debt, of under-employment, and she’s speaking out as she sees it.

“I was proud to campaign for her in the general election. I’m very proud of the contribution she makes to this Parliament and our party.”

Ms Pidcock told website Skwawkbox that some Conservative MPs had tried to convince her they had good intentions, but said: “Whatever type they are, I have absolutely no intention of being friends with any of them. I have friends I choose to spend time with. I go to Parliament to be a mouthpiece for my constituents and class – I’m not interested in chatting on.

“I feel disgusted at the way they’re running this country. It’s visceral – I’m not interested in being cosy.”

Ms Pidcock later clarified her comments to make it clear she “will work with a Tory if it is going to benefit the people in my constituency”, but could not be friends with one.

Critics included former Labour MP Tom Harris, who accused her of “macho posturing”.