John Mason MP

John Mason was elected as MP for Glasgow East following a stunning by-election victory in July 2008.

He 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 led the SNP Group on the Council from 1999 until 2008 and was elected in 2007 as Councillor for the new ward of Baillieston.

He achieved the highest personal vote of any Councillor in Glasgow.

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