Labor decides to keep Mark Latham’s photo on wall of caucus room in the wake of DV allegations

Mark Latham’s photo will remain hanging on the wall of the Labor caucus room in the wake of allegations of domestic violence and inappropriate behaviour — with the party instead opting to add an important disclaimer.

The claims levelled against the disgraced one-time Labor leader turned NSW independent MP include allegations he sexted his then partner from the parliamentary chamber, recorded sex tapes with his ex-lover in his office and took photos of female colleagues.

His image had been among the photos of ALP leaders on the party room wall and keeping it had been debated by Labor’s caucus on Monday, before the party settled on adding a note.

The disclaimer will add the words: “In 2017 Mark Latham was expelled from the Australian Labor Party and banned for life. His actions do not accord with Labor values and fail to meet the standards we expect and demand”.

It’s not clear whether it will be penned on a plaque or attached to the picture.

“I think there is a recognition on balance that, you know, you can’t erase history,” Women’s Minister Katy Gallagher told ABC after the meeting.

“He was a leader and a leader for two years and, you know, sitting there on the wall is an indication of where we have been, and perhaps for all of us, somewhere we don’t want to return to.

“But I think acknowledging the fact that he was expelled and that his actions don’t align with modern Australian Labor Party values, or standards of behaviour, I think, is important. So that will be placed on his photo on the wall in our Caucus room.”

Mr Latham denies breaking any laws or breaching legislative standing orders and labelled media “sick puppies” for asking about his previous relationship.