A CONSERVATIVE MP has told constituents his social media page is not a place to discuss politics, and threatened to ban people who make ‘irrelevant’ points.

Richard Holden, who represents North-West Durham, said offensive or untrue messages will be deleted, and warned he will take legal action over defamatory comments.

Mr Holden, who replaced Laura Pidcock following the General Election in December, said the stance was necessary because he had been targeted by Labour Party activists.

On the page, he said: “This isn’t a page for general discussion about politics, I’m sure the Consett Political debate group would love to have you if that’s what you’d like to do.

“If your comment is irrelevant to the thing that’s been posted I’ll hide/delete it when I have the time.

“People who persistently make irrelevant points will be banned.

“Anything I consider either offensive, untrue etc I’m just going to delete from now on if I see it. Any repeat offenders will be banned. Defamatory comments will be met with legal action.

“If you’re a Labour activist - I know things have changed and you’re still adjusting but if you want to make party political points against me - use the local Labour party facebook page and I’ll just delete your comments. This isn’t a discussion page - see point 1.”

Mr Holden also advised constituents who need help or advice to get in touch with his office by email and via his website and not by using social media such as Facebook or twitter.

The post has attracted over 200 comments, many from people unhappy with the stance.

Liz Summeron said: “Freedom of Speech is alive and well in the UK 2020. Grow a pair and be scrutinised.”

Rachel Grugan O’Neil said: “What a patronising, judgemental and closed minded perspective to only accept points you seem fit to be discussed.”

Stefanie Stapper said: “I thought MP’s were supposed to work for the people, not rule them with an iron fist of fascism. Guess I was wrong.”

Speaking to the Northern Echo Mr Holden said he was tired of the page being hijacked by left-wing activists.

He said: “Some of them are very rude.

“It has quite clearly been an organised campaign by some of the local Labour activists to try and constantly undermine whatever I do.

“I know it is Labour activists because it is the people who campaigned against me at the General Election. It is relentless.

“As I said in the post, I will always happily respond to anyone, but if I am constantly having people being either rude or very aggressive it becomes very difficult to manage.”

The Labour Party has been contacted for a comment.