Dutton likens Shorten to Fawlty Towers

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has likened Bill Shorten to an episode of the 1970s comedy Fawlty Towers.

The opposition leader has come under fire during the first week of the election campaign amid revelations a spate of Labor candidates have spoken out against the party policy on asylum seekers.

"Bill Shorten is turning into an episode of Fawlty Towers - if it weren't so serious it would be funny," Mr Dutton told Sky News on Monday, likening Mr Shorten to the show about an incompetent hotel owner.