John Mason joined the SNP around 1990 after having worked in Nepal for three years.  He saw that small countries around the world could be free and independent despite having larger neighbours!

John was first elected in 1998 as a councillor in Glasgow, a role he continued in for 10 years.  In 2008 he was elected as the MP for Glasgow East in what was a shock by-election win for the SNP.  This was followed in 2010 by his only electoral defeat when Labour retook the seat.  But John came back in 2011 becoming the MSP for Glasgow Shettleston – a post which he has held since.  So all in all, John has stood in 9 elections and has won in 8 of them – a record for the SNP in Glasgow.

At the Scottish Parliament John Mason has tended to be a member of the Finance or Economy Committees because of his background as an accountant.  However, he has also served on committees dealing with CoViD, Rural Affairs, and Transport among others.  He convenes the Cross Party Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief and is involved in CPGs for Showpeople, International Development, Fairtrade, and Sustainable Transport.

Outwith Parliament John enjoys walking, reading, and camping and he is a member of Easterhouse Baptist Church.  He tries to visit as many local supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, and churches as he can!