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The BBC has launched an investigation after it emerged a Question Time audience member who attacked the SNP had been on the show three times before.

Former UKIP candidate Billy Mitchell became the talk of Twitter when he slammed Scottish Government minister Fiona Hyslop as she appeared on the popular politics show on Thursday night.

But Mitchell’s contribution from the audience sparked controversy because of his numerous previous appearances.

Thursday’s programme aired from Motherwell.

Mitchell has previously asked questions from the audience at two debates in Stirling and one in Kilmarnock.

Question Time is supposed to have stringent rules about applications and adhere to strict rules about balance.

SNP deputy leader Keith Brown said the progamme had “got itself into a real mess”.

The application form requires prospective guests to say whether they have previously been on the show and when.

Guests must also reveal who they would be most likely to vote for in a general election, how they voted in the EU referendum and whether they are a member of a political party.

On Thursday’s show, Mitchell accused the SNP of being “hypocritical” in criticising Theresa May and the Conservative Party’s handling of Brexit. He told Hyslop: “I think it’s actually a bit rich coming from the SNP talking about leaving without a deal or a strategy. Where was the SNP strategy in 2014?

“You didn’t even know what currency you were going to use. You were told by the EU that you don’t automatically get back in, there was no hard independence or soft independence – it was independence or nothing. What are you criticising Brexit about?”

“You had no deal, you had no currency, you told us oil was going to be a million pound a barrel. Now you can get a barrel for a tenner down the Barras.”

Mitchell, a member of Livingston True Blues Flute Band, added: “You criticise Theresa May for not listening to Brussels. You never listened. Brussels told you you’re not getting back in. You’re not getting to use the UK pound, we’re not listening – you just don’t listen.”

Mitchell’s appearance sparked anger on social media.

Facebook user Peter Clive said: “Billy Mitchell, UKIP candidate in Coatbridge and Chryston, member of Livingston Flute Band, can always rely on BBC Question Time for a wee bit of limelight.

“He even has the same shell suit on he wore previously.

“They should just stick him on the panel the next time they’re in Scotland – he’s practically the Scottish Farage now, thanks to the exposure they give him.”

Labour last month lodged a formal complaint with Question Time over the treatment of the Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott by new presenter Fiona Bruce.

Brown, the SNP’s Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP, said: “Question Time has got itself in a real mess in recent weeks and is embroiled in a deepening row with the Labour Party. Even before this week’s programme, the SNP had big concerns.

“To maintain the confidence of the audience it is important that Question Time displays the same transparency and accountability around its decision-making as it expects from panellists.

“To start with, we want to see a fairer proportion of airtime on the BBC’s flagship programme. We are in communication with the BBC and look forward to meeting them soon.”

The BBC confirmed they are investigating how Mitchell had managed to get on the programme four times.