THE SNP have rejected claims that the party have an agenda to block some independent-thinking MSPs from standing for re-election to Holyrood next year.

Between six and 10 sitting SNP politicians have yet to be allotted an interview to complete a vetting process – a development which has prompted concerns among some of them that there is a move to stop them from returning to the Scottish Parliament.

All prospective candidates, including sitting MSPs, need to be vetted by the party. It is understood that process was due to conclude on Monday but it has now been extended to allow more time for MSPs and other possible candidates to be given an allotted time for an interview.

One insider said: “It was thought initially to be an oversight, but now there is a suspicion among some that the party may not want them to stand. They are all loyal MSPs, absolutely committed to the cause of independence.

“They are highly regarded in the group, thoughtful and independent minded. There should be a place in the SNP Holyrood group for independent-minded MSPs.”

The National has been given the names of some of the SNP MSPs who have yet to be vetted.

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They include Christine Grahame, the deputy presiding officer, and a long serving SNP MSP, and John Mason, the SNP MSP for Glasgow Shettleston.

Earlier this month, the former challenged Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister’s Questions over Government policy on face coverings.

Under current guidance from the Government, people do not have to provide any medical reason as to why they are not wearing a mask as required in shops and on public transport. But Grahame asked if ministers would consider requiring people to have proof of exemption or issuing heftier fines to those caught maskless without an excuse.

Grahame has been an MSP since 1999 and has since 2011 represented the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency, having previously been a member for the South of Scotland region from 1999 until 2011.

She told the National she had no concerns. “I understand the deadline for vetting has been extended and I am very relaxed about it,” she said.

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Mason was rebuked in March by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman after he said his constituents could continue visiting his office. The First Minister had repeatedly stressed social distancing rules are “not optional”.

He told The National: “I haven’t been vetted yet. I honestly don’t know what is going on. The party previously told us that MSPs would be vetted in July.

“All the way through July I was expecting to get a call but it didn’t happen.

“We have to say by Monday if we are interested in standing for a particular seat. I thought we would be vetted first, but I am now at the stage that I need to put my interest in first for the seat. I am bemused.”

An SNP spokesman said: “We’ve had a terrific response to our call for candidate applications, and so it takes time to give them all robust consideration.”