SNP Westminster Leader Expresses Concern Over Victim's Claims of Party Enabling
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has stated he is "worried" by allegations from a victim of former council leader Jordan Linden that party colleagues "enabled" his predatory behaviour. Linden, the ex-leader of North Lanarkshire Council, was convicted on Thursday of ten separate offences, including five sexual assaults, following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court.
Victim's Anonymous Testimony Highlights Systemic Failures
Speaking anonymously to STV News, one victim asserted that Linden's actions "could have been stopped earlier," adding that victims "weren't believed, we were called liars, we were pushed out of politics." The victim emphasised, "He was enabled, and I hope in time, we find out why." This testimony has sparked significant political scrutiny and calls for accountability within the SNP.
Flynn Condemns Linden as a 'Predator' and Calls for Support
In an interview with the Press Association on Friday, Mr Flynn described Linden as a "predator" and expressed horror that he attained such senior positions, including within the Scottish Youth Parliament and as leader of a major local authority. "I am genuinely angry that the victims have had to experience his behaviours and I want to pay testament to them and their bravery," Flynn stated.
He further noted, "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." Flynn emphasised the need for robust support and safeguarding measures within the SNP, calling it a "constant driving force." Linden is scheduled for sentencing on May 5.
Controversy Over SNP Councillors' Defence Testimonies
Two SNP councillors, Fiona Fotheringham and Tracy Carragher, reportedly testified in Linden's defence during the trial. Ms Carragher, who serves as SNP group leader in North Lanarkshire and is ranked seventh on the party's regional list for Central Scotland and Lothians West, faces particular scrutiny. When asked if she should resign or be removed from the candidates list, Flynn responded, "Those councillors need to be clear about what they chose to do and what their views are now." He added that the party would be "unsurprised" by his strong feelings on the matter and later said he would "expect" both councillors to outline their positions.
Political Fallout and Calls for Transparency
The conviction has triggered demands for answers from First Minister John Swinney, who was in his constituency on Friday, with Flynn leading the SNP's public election campaign. Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie insisted, "John Swinney must come clean and explain why that was allowed to happen, and he must also set out what the SNP has done to root out this behaviour within his party." She referenced past incidents involving Derek Mackay and Patrick Grady, accusing the SNP of a pattern of cover-ups.
Similarly, Scottish Tory Central Scotland candidate Meghan Gallacher highlighted unanswered questions, stating, "Serious questions remain unanswered by John Swinney and others at the top of the SNP as to how they handled complaints they received about Jordan Linden." She pointed to Tracy Carragher's defence testimony as particularly troubling, labelling the case as indicative of "SNP secrecy and cover-up."
Police Commend Victims for Bravery in Protracted Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr, the senior investigating officer, released a statement praising the victims for their courage. "This was a protracted investigation which involved speaking with a broad range of people, many of whom regarded Linden as being in a position of trust," she said. Barr noted that Linden abused this trust to befriend young males seeking support, with conduct that was "far from professional." She assured that police will always investigate such reports, regardless of timing or the perpetrator's identity.
Flynn concluded by expressing confidence in the party's current complaint processes but acknowledged that voters in North Lanarkshire would be "horrified" by Linden's rise. "I think they will be as angry as I am that the victims had to experience his action," he said, emphasising the importance of justice being served.
