I WAS disappointed to read the letter from Martin Walker (HAS, Aug 21) where he said that he was “flabbergasted” to see me “rubbing shoulders” with Jeremy Corbyn, as well as making other critical comments about me.

The facts are these: I nominated Andy Burnham in the leadership contest and have campaigned for him ever since. He has my support and I am encouraging voters to do likewise. I am firmly of the view that Andy is the best candidate to lead the Labour Party and become our Prime Minister in 2020. He can unify the broad church that is the Labour Party and he can simultaneously appeal to all parts of the electorate across the UK.

I spoke and welcomed Andy to Middlesbrough Town Hall some weeks ago, and last Monday, I welcomed Yvette Cooper to the St Mary’s Centre. On Tuesday, I was happy to accept Jeremy’s kind invitation to speak at his event, notwithstanding that he was patently aware that I am supporting Andy. Had Liz Kendall held an event here, I would have been happy to welcome her to the constituency as well. None of the candidates are my enemies.

Had Mr Walker attended Tuesday’s event, he would have heard me say to the 1,000 or so people that while I was not endorsing Jeremy that did not detract one iota from the warmth and sincerity of the welcome I extended to him. I was heartened to receive messages congratulating me for welcoming him despite supporting another candidate.

I make no apology for courteously welcoming a good friend and colleague. Just because I am supporting a particular candidate does not mean I cannot be civil and respectful to the others.

Mr Walker quotes the late and great Tony Benn who fully understood that the Labour Party is a broad church. But what Tony Benn always decried was the personal abuse of individuals rather than concentrating on the important issues that confront people in their daily lives and perhaps Mr Walker might be a little more careful next time about getting his facts right before he chooses to attack any particular individual politician or otherwise.

Andy McDonald MP, Middlesbrough