Dr Tim Rideout, who is a member of the SNP’s Policy Development Committee and runs a group about currency in an independent Scotland, posted the remark suggesting the Home Secretary wasn’t British on social media last week.

When The Herald approached the SNP about the comment, a spokesperson said: “This tweet is offensive and disgusting.”

Conservative MSP Pam Gosal raised the comment during First Minister’s Questions, describing the remark as an “appalling racist comment”.

“Such comments have no place in society, let alone in political debate,” she said. “I welcome that the SNP has taken quick action in suspending and launching an investigation into Tim Rideout’s conduct but racism is never an isolated incident and this is something all parties must condemn.

“Will the First Minister assure BAME communities in Scotland and the broader public that her party will root out and condemn toxic racist political discourse?“