Veteran SNP MSP, John Mason, has decided not to contest his expulsion from the party following controversial comments he made regarding Israel. The long-serving MSP for Glasgow Shettleston was originally suspended and then expelled after stating on social media that “If Israel wanted to commit genocide, they would have killed 10 times as many.” Despite facing backlash for his remarks, Mason refused to offer an apology, leading to his expulsion from the party.
Mason had the option to appeal the decision within 21 days, but on Tuesday, he announced through a Facebook post that he would not be pursuing an appeal. In his statement, Mason expressed his disagreement with the member conduct committee’s ruling but acknowledged that they were tasked with making decisions on such cases. The veteran MSP also criticised the current SNP, suggesting that it no longer upholds the same values as when he first joined over three decades ago.
Throughout his tenure, Mason has clashed with the party leadership on various issues, particularly regarding his views on abortion. Despite his expulsion, Mason has assured that he will continue to vote with the SNP in Holyrood as much as possible, acknowledging that his constituents primarily voted for the party rather than for him personally. He emphasised that while the SNP may have rejected him, he remains committed to encouraging support for the party in future elections.
The SNP confirmed that Mason had informed the national secretary of his decision not to appeal the expulsion. His departure from the party means that the SNP will need to secure three additional votes in Holyrood to pass legislation. While Mason has indicated that he will align with the party in most instances, his move to sit as an independent marks a significant shift in Scottish politics.
Mason’s decision not to contest his expulsion highlights the ongoing challenges within the SNP and the intricate dynamics of party politics. Despite the controversy surrounding his comments, his commitment to representing his constituents and supporting the party’s objectives underscores the complexities of navigating political discourse within a diverse and evolving landscape.