Trade Union boss hits back at Eamonn Holmes after being put on the spot: 'You can't ask me that!'

Mr Nowak immediately pushed back against the inquiry, declaring: "Eamonn. You can't ask me a question like that."

He firmly established boundaries regarding the Labour Party question, emphasising that the TUC maintains no formal affiliation with the political party.

Mr Nowak said: “Eamonn. You can’t ask me a question like that. The Labour Party, we’re not affiliated to the Labour Party, and that decision is for Labour Party members and labour unions.

"But let me be clear: Whoever it is, I want them to show very clearly that they’re on the side of working people in this country.

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"That means delivering the Employment Rights Bill, and it also means supporting measures in the Budget coming up in November that will put money in the pockets of working people and ask those with broader shoulders to pay a fair share.”

The conversation pivoted when Ellie Costello also grilled the leader on the topic of the industrial action disrupting London's transport network.

Elile said: "Can I ask you very briefly we're almost out of time about the Tube strike in London this week, which is causing chaos and disruption across the capital and will also be very difficult for bars and restaurants.

"Are you supportive of TfL's action this week?"

He responded: "Of course I support the workers exercising their democratic right to take strike action.

"I think the last thing anybody wants, including those workers, is industrial action on the Underground those workers lose pay after all.

"I think what’s really important now is that TfL get around the table with the unions and reach a fair settlement.

"That would be good for the workers, good for Londoners, and good for business as well.

"But absolutely, those workers have my full support when they make the difficult decision to take strike action.”

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) who walked out last night will continue striking until Thursday.

Tube services are all but halted as different RMT branches walk out on different days.

The Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, and Waterloo & City lines have all been suspended.