Glasgow East - Candidate

John Mason is originally from Rutherglen, is 51, an accountant, and has lived in the East End for 18 years.

After training in Glasgow, he has worked for housing associations, nursing homes, and with a charity in London. He also spent 3 years in Nepal with an NGO representing churches from all over the world.

He was elected as the Councillor for the Garrowhill ward in 1998 at a by-election and held the seat in 1999 and 2003. He has led the SNP Group on the Council since 1999 and was elected in 2007 as Councillor for the new ward of Baillieston.

He achieved the highest personal vote of any Councillor in Glasgow and is the SNP's longest serving Glasgow Councillor.

His other interests include involvement in Easterhouse Baptist Church, hill-walking and camping.
 

Launching his campaign at The Hub, part of the Wellhouse Community Trust in the Easterhouse area of Glasgow East, Cllr John Mason said: "It is a huge privilege to be selected to contest the seat of Glasgow East. As an East End councillor I know the opportunities ahead for Glasgow East but I also know the burden felt by families facing rising fuel, energy and food prices.

"This by-election is the chance for people in Glasgow East to elect an MP who is on their side, not out of touch like Labour.

"By electing an SNP MP voters will put Glasgow East on the map and force action from Gordon Brown.

"SNP MPs are on your side working to lower fuel duty and energy prices. Labour MPs are out of touch.

"SNP MPs voted to keep the 10pence tax rate for families in Glasgow East, Labour MPs are so out of touch they voted to increase tax by another 10 pence.

"An SNP MP for Glasgow East I will be on your side, putting Glasgow East before Gordon Brown and putting Glasgow East firmly on the map."