Jeremy Corbyn took time out from a Christmas break in Mexico to hold talks with a leftist political leader famed for heading a six-week occupation in the capital after he was defeated in a presidential election.

The Labour chief met Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, known as AMLO, in Villahermosa, Tabasco. In a message posted alongside pictures on Facebook on New Year’s Eve, the Mexican said: “We spoke extensively on the beautiful dream to realise a world government based on justice and fraternity.”

Obrador’s supporters occupied the main square in Mexico City after he lost the 2006 presidential race, claiming that the contest was rigged. Businesses claimed the protests cost them millions of dollars in lost trade.

He is considered a leading contender for the election