SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has said he is “worried” by accusations from a victim of former North Lanarkshire Council leader Jordan Linden that party colleagues “enabled” his behaviour. Linden was convicted of 10 offences on Thursday, including five sexual assaults.
Speaking to STV News, an anonymous victim said Linden’s actions “could have been stopped earlier”, adding that victims “weren’t believed, we were called liars, we were pushed out of politics”. They said: “He was enabled, and I hope in time, we find out why.”
Flynn described Linden as a “predator” and said he was “genuinely angry” for the victims. He added: “I am worried by (the victim’s) comments, and I am sure that following the conclusion of what is an ongoing criminal matter… that the party will be able to respond in full to those.”
Two SNP councillors – Fiona Fotheringham and Tracy Carragher – reportedly testified in Linden’s defence. Carragher is SNP group leader in North Lanarkshire and is seventh on the party’s regional list for Central Scotland and Lothians West. Flynn said those councillors “need to be clear about what they chose to do” and that he would “expect” them to outline their positions.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said there are questions for First Minister John Swinney, citing previous cases involving Derek Mackay and Patrick Grady. “Enough is enough. John Swinney must make clear what he will do to end this sleazy and abhorrent conduct within his party,” she said.
