Mrs Sturrock not only voted against a motion to sign a “sister city” agreement between Dundee and Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, but moved the amendment opposing it.

She said she was doing so “on a matter of conscience” because of her concerns about the ruling regime in Dubai, in particular its attitude to women and trade unions and the fact it is not a democracy.

Labour chief whip Councillor Charles Farquhar confirmed there had been a group decision on the matter, but declined to comment on what disciplinary action might be taken against Mrs Sturrock.

Under Labour’s rules councillors are expected to not to oppose group decisions when the matter comes up at committee, even if they disagree.

The fact that Mrs Sturrock emphasised she was taking the step as an issue of conscience may tell in her favour and mitigate any action taken against her.

On the other hand, a number of Labour councillors made clear at the committee their displeasure that there was going to be a division at all. That can only have been exacerbated by the fact it was triggered by one of their own colleagues.

When contacted Mrs Sturrock declined to discuss the issue of possible disciplinary action.

The motion to go ahead with the ‘sister city’ agreement was passed at the council’s economic development committee by 21 votes to five. It is due to be signed later this year, possibly in April.

The tie-up with Dubai would create the opportunity for businesses to participate in an export market worth 17 billion dollars a year, excluding oil-related business, as well as the potential for links to key economic sectors.

In addition, the agreement would give Dundee access to a worldwide network of cities, including Detroit, Shanghai, Osaka, Istanbul and Australia’s Gold Coast.