A LEAKED email has revealed that the SNP council group leader wants to allow people who failed the party’s vetting tests to still stand as candidates in May’s election.

Councillor Chris McEleny has written to councillors and party members around Scotland with his controversial proposal, which he wants to put to the national secretary.

A copy of his email, which was sent to around 30 people, was passed to the Telegraph.

We contacted the councillor and SNP HQ about it, but received no response.

It is understood some Inverclyde party members are unhappy about Cllr McEleny’s proposal.

One told the Tele: “At the moment we have only nine candidates for the 22 Inverclyde seats, so it doesn’t look as if we can take control.

“But what is the point of having strict vetting of potential candidates if you then decide to put up those who have been rejected?

“If you can’t get enough people to come forward to contest the elections, you should go ahead with those who have been vetted. Chris is digging a big hole for himself with this email.

“I totally disagree with it.”

The insider went on to claim that the local SNP branch is divided between what he described as ‘traditional’ supporters and those who joined in recent years and back a more left-wing approach.

Cllr McEleny, who came to national attention last year when he stood unsuccessfully for the deputy leadership of the SNP, wrote in his February 19 email: “I am aware that, for some areas, the total number of candidates on the approved list is less than the approved VMS [vote management strategy].

“Suggestions have been made that this means we need to secure new people. I think that is unrealistic as we approach March.

“I am proposing that candidates who did not manage to get on the approved list, but have the support of their local group leader and it is agreed are fit and proper persons, should be placed on the list.

“Such candidates fall into the category of those that received feedback stating that perhaps they should apply again in the future. I believe this approach will ensure the best chance of victory in every area of Scotland.”

The selection process is still being finalised for Inverclyde.

Names of those vetted by party HQ will go to the local government liaison committee, who will compile a list.

Hustings may have to be held if there are too many hopefuls for particular seats and branch members will be balloted to make the final selection of candidates.