Jeremy Corbyn's head of policy has been reinstated to the Labour Party following being suspended for telling voters to back a rival election in Croydon South.

Andrew Fisher, of South Norwood, was referred to the party's national executive committee by his Croydon Labour colleague Emily Benn after tweeting his support for the Class War candidate who was standing against her in May's general election.

Mr Fisher posted August last year: "FFS if you live in Croydon South, vote with dignity, vote @campaignbeard", in reference to Class War candidate Jon Bigger.

Labour rules states that any member who " supports any candidate who stands against an official Labour candidate... shall automatically be ineligible to be or remain a party member".

Mr Fisher has received a written warning from the party but his suspension was lifted on Friday.

He had earlier deleted his social media accounts and apologised to Labour general secretary Iain McNicol "completely and unreservedly" apologise for the tweet, which he claimed had been "misinterpreted".

He wrote: "I obviously do not and did not support Class War in any way, let alone in an election. I was and am committed to the election of a Labour government and a successful and united Labour Party.

"I accept that the tweet has been misinterpreted and has caused embarrassment and understandable upset among party members, which I regret."

A Labour party spokesman said: “Andrew Fisher has been issued with an NEC warning and his suspension has been lifted with immediate effect."