A LABOUR councillor has caused anger after implying SNP MP Mhairi Black was a "ned" on Twitter.

Largs councillor Alex Gallagher shared a video on Twitter of the popular MP alongside the phrase "How many SNP MPs are just neds?".

The video in question shows Black swearing allegiance to the Queen, adding to the neccesary pledge, that it's "for the purpose of the job".

The tweet sparked outrage, drawing over 200 comments in response, including from SNP councillor Alan Hill.

Speaking to the Largs and Millport Weekly News, he said: "It is not that surprising coming from Alex Gallagher. It is derogatory and a bit insulting coming from a Labour politician to a lady from a working class background.

"A ned to me is a derogatory term used to describe a thug. "It has caused some uproar, but this is what Alex Gallagher seems to be spending most of his time doing at the moment.

"I didn't realise he was a monarchist as well as sitting on the right wing of the Labour party. He can make his own mind up when it comes to that but even so it is an odd comment for a Labour councillor to make."

How many SNP MPs are just neds? https://t.co/r69dgpt86k — Alex Gallagher (@alexgallagher2) December 18, 2019

However, the councillor claims that the tweet itself was in fact not aimed at Mhairi Black.

Gallagher instead says it was a dig at the conduct of SNP MPs as a whole, including showing "disresepct" to the Crown.

He said: "If people get themselves elected to the main chamber they should behave in a dignified manner when they get there rather than behave in an immature and childish fashion.

"To my mind, it shows a deep disrespect. If they don't want to take the vow then they shouldn't put themselves forward to get elected in the first place. They shouldn't pretend they can't read the vow or cross their fingers.

"Anyway, I don't think the working class image sits easy with Mhari Black as she comes from Ralston which is a posh part of Paisley.

The House of Commons website states: "Members of the House of Commons take an oath of allegiance to the Crown. This is called swearing in. If they object to swearing the oath, they can make a solemn affirmation. They do this before taking their seats in Parliament. This can happen after a general election, by-election or after the death of the monarch.

"Oaths of allegiance to the Crown are common in British public life. They are similar to a declaration of loyalty to the state.

"Members of both Houses of Parliament are required by law to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown."