Swinney Orders SNP Complaints Process Review After Council Leader's Conviction
SNP leader John Swinney has ordered an independent review of the party's complaints procedure following the conviction of former senior councillor Jordan Linden for sexual offences. This decision comes after one of Linden's victims claimed the party failed to adequately address complaints about his conduct, alleging that victims were not believed and were pushed out of politics.
Details of the Conviction and Party Response
Jordan Linden, the former leader of North Lanarkshire Council, was convicted on Thursday of ten separate offences, including five counts of sexual assault, following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court. In response, an SNP spokesperson announced on Friday that Swinney has instructed an independent review of the party's complaints procedures, despite previous comprehensive reviews since 2016.
The spokesperson stated, "This will ensure people are protected and our complaints procedures are as robust as they can be." They also welcomed the verdict against Linden and commended the bravery of the individuals who came forward to share their experiences with the police.
Victim Allegations and Internal Party Dynamics
Speaking anonymously to STV News, one victim claimed 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 further stated, "He was enabled, and I hope in time we find out why."
Fellow SNP councillor Tracy Carragher, who is seventh on the party's list for the Central Scotland and West Lothians region in the upcoming Holyrood election, denied defending Linden during the trial. Carragher, the current leader of the SNP group on North Lanarkshire Council, said she welcomed the jury's decision and that her thoughts were with the victims.
She clarified, "I was called as a witness in Jordan Linden's trial, and so I gave an honest account of my involvement and my knowledge of events. I did not at any point defend Mr Linden." Another councillor, Fiona Fotheringham, also gave evidence during the trial but has not made a public statement.
Police Investigation and Sentencing
Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr, the senior investigating officer, released a statement on Friday describing the investigation as "protracted" and involving a broad range of people who regarded Linden as being in a position of trust. Barr noted, "He abused this position to befriend young males who were seeking his support and the opportunity to learn from his work, however his conduct toward them was far from professional."
She thanked the victims for coming forward and emphasized that no one should be subjected to sexual offending, with police committed to investigating reports regardless of when they occurred or who the perpetrator is. Linden is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5.
Political Repercussions and Future Steps
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn told journalists on Friday that it is for the councillors who gave evidence to "be clear about what they chose to do and what their views are now." The SNP spokesperson added that a question put to Flynn appeared to suggest Carragher had sought to defend Linden, but in fact, she was required to attend court as a witness and give evidence to the best of her knowledge.
This case has sparked significant scrutiny of the SNP's internal handling of complaints, prompting Swinney's call for an independent review to strengthen procedures and ensure accountability within the party.
