Labour orders candidates to sanitise social media

Andrew Kirton (supplied)
Andrew Kirton (supplied)

Labour's election candidates have been told to purge their social media accounts of anything that "will come back to haunt" the party.

The directive includes deleting photos of alcohol consumption and any inappropriate gestures - as well as any criticism of the Labour Party and its past and present policies and leaders.

Labour's general secretary Andrew Kirton sent the warning in a text message to all confirmed candidates.

Labour orders candidates to sanitise social media
(supplied)
(supplied)

"Our opponents are searching through your pages. Your social media accounts should present you as a professional and in-touch person," the message says.

"Images of you drinking, making inappropriate gestures etc etc should be deleted. Written posts criticising Labour policy or current/former leaders will come back to haunt you and us," he wrote.

Mr Kirton was not available for comment.

Newshub.