One of Medway’s longest-serving councillors has been suspended by the Conservative Party and faces being thrown out.

Tom Mason, 81, who has served 45 years consecutively as a councillor for different authorities in the Medway towns, has been told he is to face a party disciplinary hearing.

The hearing will consider claims that, having been deselected by the Conservatives as a council candidate, the veteran councillor had subsequently hinted he may stand for another party.

He was de-selected in September as a candidate for the council election in 2015, despite wishing to continue to fight for the Strood Rural ward.

He said: “I am disgusted with the [Conservative] association and offended too.
“I have done 45 years of service and then I was deselected. It has been quite upsetting for me.”

He refused to say if he intended to stand for another party, saying only: “I am keeping my options open. I might just stand as an independent.”

He denied having any discussions about defecting to Ukip.

In his lengthy political career, he has been a cabinet member for adult social care on Medway Council.

Andrew Mackness, the chairman of Rochester and Strood Conservative Association, said: “I can confirm that Cllr Tom Mason is currently suspended by the Conservative party.
“He was not adopted as a candidate by the party for the election in 2015.

“He has made public his intention to stand against the Conservative party. We have followed a policy which has resulted in him having to explain his statements.
“He will either have to withdraw them or face expulsion.”