The breakdown in relations between the Labour Party and Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman reached a new low when a former party manager tweeted he would “load the revolver” if he was a candidate for the 2016 London Mayoral election.

After suggestions of a nomination were rebuffed, Rob Marchant tweeted: “Phew. If not I will load the revolver and we can all take turns.”

He added: “Ah. [makes mental note to keep revolver well cleaned and oiled].”

Mr Marchant said the tweets referred to self harm rather than assassination.

Mr Rahman said police were investigating and declined to comment further.

A police spokesperson said: “Police take all perceived threats of violence very seriously and are able to confirm that Tower Hamlets CID are investigating an allegation of crime arising from conversations on a social networking site.”

No arrests have been made.

UPDATE: Rob Marchant has posted a response to the allegations, which can be accessed through the link at the top right hand side of the page.