Tom Watson has said Jeremy Corbyn has a “raw deal” from those in the media who speculate the Labour leader may secretly want to leave the EU.

The Deputy Leader said Corbyn’s many speeches on the topic were being ignored, add added it had been a challenge to get Labour’s messages reported in the media.

“I do feel very sorry for Jeremy though. You know he was in Cornwall yesterday, Cardiff the day before – he’s been making speech after speech after speech about labour’s case to remain in the European Union. I think he’s been getting a raw deal on that.”

“It is quite hard for us to get our message across. New research shows most of the air time in the debate is given to Conservative members of parliament and, of course, when you’ve got the kind of battles that are going on across the cabinet we understand that.

“It’s very hard for us to try and find the space to get our message over. But we’re relentless. We’re going to keep doing that. We’ve got less than 20 days to go and we’re going to try to get us message over.”

Jeremy Corbyn has previously delivered speeches concerning workers’ rights, the environment and young people in order to secure a Remain vote in the referendum.

Watson also acknowledged that hostility to the media was understandable but was not the solution for the party’s messages gaining support, speaking on Sky’s Murnaghan earlier today.

“It is very hard when you’re under pressure. You walk out your door in the morning and you’ve got a Daily Mail photographer on your tail. It sometimes leads to stress levels.

“No – we know we need to get our message across.

“I was embarrassed when a journalist was hissed at one of our press conferences this week. I don’t think that’s right. You’re all paid to do your jobs and we understand that.”

Watson’s comments follow today’s speculation from Labour MP Kate Hoey who said she expects Corbyn to vote to leave the bloc. A series of notable figures – including Corbyn’s own brother Piers – have suggested the Islington MP is secretly a leaver.