AN SNP councillor accused of making racist remarks about fellow party members has been suspended.

Holyrood candidate Julie McAnulty has had her party membership put on hold as officials investigate a complaint about alleged racist comments she made after a canvassing session.

In a statement an SNP spokesman said: "Councillor Julie McAnulty has been placed under administrative suspension while the allegations are looked into.

"We will be making no further comment until these investigations are concluded."

Ms McAnulty, who represents the Coatbridge North and Glenboig constituency, was reported by long-serving member Sheena McCulloch after the incident last July.

The activist accused the councillor of asking if she agreed that "'Pakis' were causing problems locally", and saying they needed to "get rid of them out of the party", in relation to problems with the Bellshill SNP branch.

All meetings at the Bellshill branch have also been put on hold until after May's election, with members being encouraged to put their efforts behind Holyrood candidate Fulton MacGregor instead. 

A spokesman added: "Following last month’s bad-tempered meeting, the national executive has ruled that there should be no further branch meetings until after the election in May.

“With 12 weeks until polling, the efforts of all members should be on campaigning for our candidate, Fulton MacGregor.”