Wendy Alexander's election agent, Paisley councillor Terry Kelly, was under fire yesterday following an exchange on his website in which he dubbed women "thick".

Councillor Kelly maintains his own personal website which included a recent exchange with a female visitor who asked: "Why are no women allowed to comment here? You've mentioned one being banned, you've called a black woman a liar for talking about racism but then no others have been allowed to comment. Councillor, are you a sexist?"

Councillor Kelly responded: "You have just perfectly demonstrated why, it's because they are thick."

The fact that Councillor Kelly has been Ms Alexander's election agent has prompted criticism from opponents.

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie said: "This is an appalling statement from Councillor Kelly and shows how out of touch the Labour party are.

"This kind of comment should have been left in the 1970s. Yet again Wendy Alexander's judgment has to be questioned. After losing one spin doctor in disgrace and breaking the law with her selection campaign it seems like her election agent is determined to add to her woes.

"I hope that she and the Labour Party will have the good grace to apologise."

A Labour spokesman pointed out that Mr Kelly had already announced his intention to give up his position as election agent to Ms Alexander, adding: "Terry Kelly has said his comments were a joke and should be treated as such. His blog makes clear that comments are not the views of the Labour Party or anyone other than himself."

Councillor Kelly told his local newspaper: "Everyone who knows me knows that I am not sexist. I've lived for years with my wife and daughter and I wouldn't dare be sexist with them as far as women are concerned.

"I've worked with women councillors and women from all walks of life during my many years as a local politician. I've always respected women and always will do.

"It's a sorry state of affairs when using humour or irony in some of my replies is regarded as sexist."