A Conservative election candidate has apologised for joking about the date rape drug Rohypnol in social media posts from 2012.

In messages passed to Sky News, Oliver Johnstone – who is standing to be an MP in Stockport – wrote “if [sic] wasn’t for the incentive of material goods just how do you expect me to get laid” before adding in another message: “Well that or rohypnol”.

The former Stockport councillor told Sky News “these comments were made a number of years ago and I wholeheartedly apologise for them”.

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He had been commenting on a post criticising “Steak and Blowjob Day” – an internet meme created as a supposedly male response to Valentine’s Day.

Responding to the post, Mr Johnstone wrote: “Sounds like we just found a re-brand for International Men’s Day… I don’t see the problem… you girls are just too used to this liberation nonsense.”

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He then replied to another critical comment, saying: “I reject the assertion that women take no pleasure in giving men blowjobs. Steak and Blowjobs Day is actually (when you think about it) free and equal exchange.”

He then joked that the only way he would be able to have sex with women was through “material goods” or “rohypnol”.

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “The Conservative Party has spoken to this individual and reminded them of the Party’s code of conduct and standards expected of candidates, including on social media.”

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The other candidates standing in Stockport are:

Labour Party – Navendu Mishra

Liberal Democrats – Wendy Meikle

Reform UK – Lynn Schofield

Green Party – Helena Julia Mellish

Workers Party of Britain – Ayesha Khan

Stockport Fights Austerity No to Cuts – Ashley Walker

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