Labour's leader says Rakesh Naidoo's decision to run for Labour is all above board - as he comes under fire.

Commissioner Richard Chambers says Naidoo's candidacy makes his role as a senior police officer untenable, and he'll be removed.

Chambers says he only found out last night. 

Chris Hipkins says Naidoo took all the required steps.

"Rakesh Naidoo told his supervisor at police that when he confirmed he was putting his name forward to us last week, we did run a different process for Rakesh because of his role within the New Zealand Police."

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