Sarwar Accuses SNP of Double Standards in Misconduct Handling
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has launched a scathing attack on the SNP, accusing the party of operating with "one rule for themselves and another for everybody else" when dealing with allegations of misconduct. This criticism comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding former North Lanarkshire Council leader Jordan Linden, who was convicted last month of 10 offences, including five sexual assaults.
SNP Faces Scrutiny Over Linden Case and Complaints Process
The SNP has found itself embroiled in a deepening scandal as questions persist about senior party members' knowledge of allegations against Linden. In response, the party has initiated an independent review of its complaints process and suspended candidate Tracy Carragher, the former North Lanarkshire group leader, over claims she failed to pass on complaints about Linden.
However, the spotlight remains on high-profile figures within the SNP. Health Secretary Neil Gray, a senior member in North Lanarkshire, has denied any awareness of the allegations. Meanwhile, reports emerged on Monday suggesting that former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell was informed of Linden's behaviour as far back as 2016.
Sarwar Draws Parallels with Labour's Own Actions
Speaking to journalists in Glasgow, Sarwar contrasted the SNP's approach with his own handling of a similar situation within Labour. He referenced the case of former Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy, who was dismissed from the party after her continued friendship with convicted paedophile Sean Morton came to light.
"When something is flagged to me, I take action," Sarwar asserted. "When something's flagged to the SNP, they try to cover it up and they put protection of the institution and the individual and the leadership before what's right by the country, until it gets too much pressure, they have to take some action."
Criticism Extends to SNP Candidate Kirsten Oswald
Sarwar also targeted SNP candidate Kirsten Oswald, who served as the party's deputy Westminster leader when allegations surfaced against former MP Patrick Grady. He highlighted what he termed "double standards" in the SNP's responses to different cases.
"If you look at the double standards in the comments they were making about Pam Duncan-Glancy and what we are now seeing in relation to Kirsten Oswald, Neil Gray or others, look at the difference in approach," Sarwar stated. "They set up a process and they hope the story goes away – that's what happens time after time after time."
Swinney Defends SNP's Complaints Handling
First Minister John Swinney, speaking during a visit to Whitelee Wind Farm in East Renfrewshire, addressed the reports about Murrell's alleged knowledge. Swinney stated he had "no information about the substance" of these claims but emphasised the SNP's commitment to improving its complaints process.
"What I would say is that the SNP has reviewed its complaints handling process, I have asked for some independent scrutiny of that complaints handling process to make sure it is effective and appropriate for our times because whenever somebody's got a complaint or a concern about somebody's behaviour it should be acted upon properly," Swinney explained. "I'm confident that is the case in the SNP today and that's what I intend to make sure is the case in the future."
Sarwar concluded by urging the public to judge the SNP on its actions, reiterating his central accusation: "Judge them on the actions – why do they have one rule for everybody else and a different rule for them? One standard for everybody else, a different standard for them."
