THE Scottish Government’s row with Andy Burnham has escalated after the Greater Manchester Mayor was accused of making “absurd” claims during a clear the air meeting with Nicola Sturgeon.

The spat began last week when Holyrood announced a travel ban between Scotland and Bolton and Blackburn would be extended to include Manchester and Salford due to rising coronavirus infection rates.

The announcement, made on Friday and implemented on Monday, angered Burnham, who complained his administration had not been given advanced notice. He also warned it would leave locals out of pocket after their trips north were cancelled.

The mayor demanded the Scottish Government pay compensation to those that lost out and threatened legal action.

He accused Sturgeon of “insulting” people in Manchester, while the SNP leader suggested Burnham was inflaming tensions to raise his political profile ahead of a potential leadership bid.

WATCH: Furious Andy Burnham accuses Nicola Sturgeon of 'insulting' Manchester

The pair held talks last night in a bid to resolve the situation, but it has only led to further accusations from both sides.

A source close to Sturgeon told the Telegraph: “The First Minister pointed out the stark contradiction between what Andy Burnham has been saying in recent days and his own authority’s clear advice to minimise travel.

“Burnham had no proper answer to that. His attempted explanation was incoherent and absurd.”

That briefing prompted an angry response from the Greater Manchester mayor’s administration.

His side argued that travel advice in the area reflects the UK Government’s position, rather than Burnham's, and that it is not backed up by law as is the case with Holyrood's ban.

READ MORE: Why Andy Burnham is attacking Nicola Sturgeon on Manchester travel ban

A spokesman for the mayor said: “We are surprised that the Scottish Government has briefed details of a discussion in what we were told was a confidential meeting. But, given this has happened, we need to be clear on what was said.

“The First Minister accepted that she should have told the mayor before she announced her decision. We also welcome her acceptance that the Scottish Government needs to provide more information about how they reach their decisions on bringing in regulations and travel bans that affect other parts of the United Kingdom."

He added: “We are, however, disappointed that the First Minister completely dismissed the financial impact her decision has had on residents in Bolton, Manchester, and Salford, and the need for her government to consider providing compensation.

"These people had no advance notice, no ability to change their plans and are now left out of pocket."