Councillor Ian McNeil, who represents Airdrie in North Lanarkshire, has been appointed executive officer of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland

The Scottish Labour Party is facing criticism after it emerged that a councillor is one of the most influential figures in the Orange Order.

Ian McNeil, who represents Airdrie in North Lanarkshire, has been appointed executive officer of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland. The post is the only full-time salaried role within the Protestant organisation.

McNeil has longstanding ties with the Orange Order — he is a junior depute grand master and heads up the Central Scotland County Grand Lodge — but his new role, openly disclosed in his council register of interests, has prompted disquiet within the Labour Party, which has many Catholics.

It triggered calls last night for Richard Leonard, the Scottish Labour leader, to intervene. Leonard is set to be confirmed