A veteran Medway Conservative councillor has been expelled from the party after refusing to rule out standing as an independent.

Cllr Tom Mason was formally expelled this week after a meeting of the Conservative association’s disciplinary committee.

Mr Mason, a councillor for 45 years on various Medway authorities, intends to appeal.
He is one of three members on Medway Council representing Strood Rural but was not re-adopted by the party as a candidate for the election in May.

He said: “I am offended, upset and annoyed. I had wanted to stand again and feel quite capable of doing it. I have been a councillor for more than 40 years and have twice been a mayor.”

He intends to appeal the expulsion but says he would continue to weigh up his options, including the possibility of standing as an independent.

The decision was taken this week at an association meeting which Mr Mason, 81, declined to attend but submitted a written representation.

Andrew Mackness, the chairman of the Rochester and Strood constituency association, said the door remained open to Mr Mason provided he gave assurances he would not stand against any Conservative candidates.

“The executive decided to expel him until he has confirmed that he will not stand against Conservative candidates. He has refused to do so. We cannot accept any member who fails to give such a commitment.”