A senior Labour councillor is being investigated over comments he made to a fellow councillor on Facebook.

A complaint has been made about the conduct of Peter Barnett, chair of the council's planning committee, after he swore at Cllr Shabana Dhedhi during a late-night online exchange.

Cllr Dhedhi, using the name Shabana Qadir, posted a quote on Tuesday which read: “The Prophet (saw) said: ‘A time will come to mankind when man will not care whether what he gets comes from a lawful or an unlawful source’.”

Mr Barnett responded at around 1am by posting: “what the f*** does that mean”.

Miss Dhedhi replied by stating she did not expect everyone to understand, but to show respect.

Mr Barnett responded: “Shame the Prophet cant speak clearly still he’s always got you to explain..(sic)”

Mr Barnett represents Wood Street ward and has served as a councillor since 2006.

As well as chairing the planning committee, he also sits on the staffing committee.

A spokesperson for the Labour party said the language used during the conversation is "not condoned" by the group.

He added: "We can confirm that we have received a formal complaint regarding Cllr Barnett's comments.

“We are currently investigating the matter and will undertake disciplinary procedures where necessary."

Cllr Barnett is expected to respond to the complaint later today.

A Leyton woman who spotted the post said she was disgusted by the way the councillor behaved.

She said: “Waltham Forest is a borough of long standing diversity which has traditionally celebrated its multicultural, multi-faith community.

“It is therefore distressing to see an experienced local councillor show no only such appalling disregard for the faith of others but to also belittle and intimidate a young female councillor at the same time.”