Concerns over a senior police officer's Labour candidacy are being downplayed, with assurances police remain politically neutral.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says he only learned of Rakesh Naidoo's candidacy on Sunday afternoon, and his position is now untenable.

Labour claims Naidoo took all the appropriate steps.

Police Association President Steve Watt told Francesca Rudkin his ranking on Labour's list shouldn't change how people react.

He says it's important neutrality is maintained, no matter where an officer sits on the list.

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