Winston Marshall leaves Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons band member Winston Marshall has announced he is leaving the band.

Marshall admitted his departure from the group was a "difficult decision first brought about by an unintentional Twitter storm".

The banjo player drew controversy on himself earlier in 2021 after tweeting about the book Unmasked: Inside Antifa’s Radical Plan To Destroy Democracy by journalist Andy Ngo.

Marshall later deleted the tweet but in it had said that he had read the "important" book and he praised Ngo as a "brave man".

In a statement announcing the news, the 33-year-old said, "From odysseys through the Scottish Islands to headlining Glastonbury, from The Betsy Trotwood to Madison Square Garden.

"We’ve done it all. What a blessing it was to be so close to such talent as those three lads. I will look back at it all with immense pride and love. However, after much reflection and consideration, I have decided it is time to move on.

"This is a difficult decision first brought about by an unintentional Twitter storm."

Explaining his controversial tweet, Winston said, :The book documents the recent activities of the extreme Left in the US.

"The tweet was misconstrued by many as an endorsement of the equally abhorrent Far-Right. Nothing could be further from the truth. I condemn unequivocally all political extremism, be it of the Right or Left.

"At the time of the incident emotions were high and despite the furore, the band invited me to continue with them. Considering the pressure, that took courage.

"I’ve spent much time since reflecting, reading and listening. I know now that, as long as I am a member of the band, speaking my mind on the evils of political extremism could bring them trouble. My loyalty and love for them cannot permit that.

"However to remain in the band and self-censor will gnaw my conscience, erode my integrity. By leaving I hope to speak freely without them suffering the consequences."

Marshall has said he will work on new creative projects and will write on a variety of issues.