Leaked Recordings Expose SNP's Attempt to Suppress Jordan Linden Sex Scandal
Secret recordings of Scottish National Party politicians attempting to shut down the Jordan Linden sex scandal have been branded as disgraceful by political opponents. The revelations have sparked outrage across Scotland's political landscape, with Scottish Labour describing the behaviour as emblematic of the Scottish Nasty Party.
Recordings Reveal Coordinated Protection Effort
A North Lanarkshire councillor released the recordings to demonstrate how Linden's colleagues mobilised to protect him shortly after he resigned as council leader in 2022 amid misconduct allegations. The audio captures multiple councillors expressing support for Linden, who was just 30 years old at the time, with one noting he had support from the party itself.
In the recordings, SNP representatives can be heard issuing stern warnings against leaking information to the press, suggesting such actions would exacerbate the growing crisis. The Scottish Conservatives have characterised these efforts as systematic manipulation and cover-up designed to shield Linden from accountability.
Linden's Conviction and Historical Warnings
Jordan Linden was placed on the sex offenders register last week following his conviction for ten offences against young men, including five sexual assaults, committed between 2011 and 2021. His trial revealed disturbing details about how victims had repeatedly warned the SNP about his behaviour, only to have their complaints dismissed and whistleblowers treated as liars.
Despite First Minister John Swinney ordering a review of the SNP's complaints process in response to the scandal, it has since emerged that he ignored a plea for improved safeguarding measures from Linden's former colleagues just six months earlier.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Meghan Gallagher, Scottish Conservative candidate for Linden's hometown of Bellshill, stated: These recordings highlight the scale of manipulation and cover-up the SNP were engaged in. Swinney's independent review into the SNP's complaints procedure is a cynical PR exercise. His party will always put their interests before doing the right thing.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie added: These recordings prove that the Scottish Nasty Party are determined to bully and gaslight victims of sexual abuse to try and desperately preserve their reputation. Despite the SNP attempting to deny knowing about Linden's despicable behaviour, they were told explicitly about him in emails sent in 2017 and 2022.
Key Figures in the Recordings
Among Linden's most vocal supporters was Tracy Carragher, now leader of the SNP opposition on North Lanarkshire Council and a Holyrood list candidate for Central Scotland. Carragher, who served as a defence witness during Linden's trial alongside fellow SNP councillor Fiona Fotheringham, is heard on the recordings stating: Jordan's got a lot of support. He's got support from the party, from his family and from his partner. The party told him not to comment.
Councillor Fotheringham referenced the backlash against former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, who had urged colleagues to support sex pest MP Patrick Grady, before adding: We are supportive of Jordan. We send our love. We've sent our support. She then cautioned: I would not expect to read anything like that in the papers.
Internal Threats and Denials
The recordings capture Councillor Claire Barclay expressing disgust at leaks, claiming the person responsible had put the party at risk and independence at risk, describing their actions as evil, absolute evil. Barclay issued a stark warning: If it doesn't stop, we'll find out who that person is and the full force of disciplinary [action] will go against them. That is a final warning. The cameras are on us.
Perhaps most shockingly, Councillor Kirsten Larson declared: Based on the information I have, the only thing Jordan Linden is guilty of is being a young person. This statement has drawn particular criticism given Linden's subsequent conviction for serious sexual offences.
SNP Response and Ongoing Fallout
The four councillors featured in the recordings have been approached for comment regarding their statements. The SNP issued a formal response stating it welcomes the verdict against Mr Linden and commends the bravery of the individuals who came forward and shared their experiences with the police.
However, political opponents argue the recordings reveal a culture of secrecy and protectionism within the party that prioritises reputation over victim welfare. The scandal continues to unfold as calls for accountability grow louder across Scotland's political spectrum.
