Thousands have demanded the resignation of a Glasgow councillor after he waved an Israeli flag from the city chambers.

Conservative Cllr David Meikle caused outrage on Friday when he flew the flag in response to the local authority’s decision to raise the Palestinian flag ‘as a mark of support for the people of Gaza’.

Meikle tweeted that he had asked the Lord Provost ‘to also fly the Israel flag to show sympathy with all who suffer. No response. So I did it’.

A petition calling for the resignation of Meikle has now reached over 2,000 signatures.

The petition read: ‘His decision to fly the Israeli flag on Friday 8th August - without any authority or formal consent from the top floor of the City Chambers, overlooking George Square, and whilst the Palestinian flag was being officially raised on the approved authority and consent of The Lord Provost of Glasgow leaves us, the Citizens of Glasgow and in particular the constituents of his ward, with no option but to move a vote of No Confidence in his tenure as a Local Representative of the Ward.

‘He is entitled to his beliefs and opinions but because of his unprofessional conduct, the place and the timing of his expression leads us to believe that he can no longer represent us and should therefore resign immediately.’

Glasgow City Council declined to comment on the petition.

Last week, Cllr Archie Graham, depute leader of the council, said: ‘The decision to fly the Palestinian flag on Friday, 8 August, is intended to show our support for the innocent people who are being hurt in Gaza.

‘It is not intended to show support for one side or the other in this conflict.’