John Mason to sit as independent MSP after SNP expulsion

In a statement announcing his decision, Mason said: “The SNP when I joined it was a ‘big tent’ or ‘broad church’ type of party, allowing a wide variety of views within it, as long as there was a commitment to Scottish independence.

“However, it does seem to have become less tolerant and narrower over the years and is not as inclusive as it used to be.”

However, he said it was for members to decide the direction of the party.

The MSP added: “I do not think that my spinning out the process even longer would be to anyone’s benefit. Therefore, I have very reluctantly decided not to appeal.”

He said he “totally disagreed” with the decision of the party’s conduct committee to expel him.

Mason, an SNP MSP for 16 years, was given 21 days to appeal. If successful, he could have been reinstated.

He was previously reprimanded by the party for defending anti-abortion protests outside clinics.

Mason began his political career as an SNP councillor in Glasgow. He was later elected as an MP Glasgow East before entering Holyrood in 2011.

He thanked former colleagues, including ex-party leaders Nicola Sturgeon and the late Alex Salmond, for their support during his SNP career.