POLITICAL leaders in Bury have dug in as the question of financial aid to Tier 3 lockdown areas goes to Parliament.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has pledged to force a vote in the House of Commons on government assistance for areas forced to adopt tougher coronavirus restrictions.

Meanwhile Conservative and Labour representatives have continued to insist each is right ahead of further developments.

Bury North MP James Daly, who signed a letter overnight criticising Mayor Andy Burnham for lockdown talks collapsing with the government, believes there is still time to forge a mutually acceptable settlement.

He said: "I am disappointed that no financial agreement has been made, however, I welcome the announcement from the Secretary of State for Health that this financial offer is still on the table for local authorities.

"My main concern is now ensuring that this funding is offered to support businesses in Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington.

"If anyone has any queries regarding these new measures, please contact my office."

Council leader Cllr Eamonn O'Brien ridiculed the joint letter, also signed by Bury South's Christian Wakeford.

Bolton West MP Chris Green and Sir Graham Brady, the Altrincham and Sale West MP and chairman of the Tory 1922 Committee, are among those not to sign the communication.

Cllr O'Brien said: "This is not about Andy Burnham. This is about our collective fight to get the best possible deal for our businesses and residents, especially those on the lowest pay."

"You can't even get all the GM Tory MPs to sign your pathetic letter, how will you negotiate a better deal?

And Cllr Tamoor Tariq, deputy leader of Bury Council, said: "The government have shown complete contempt for our city region today, they’ve shown we really don’t matter.

"Like someone once said, ‘I warn you not to be a taxi driver, I warn you not to be a bookie, I warn you not to be a hospitality worker, I warn you not to be low paid’."