John Swinney Forced to Apologise Over SNP Sex Predator Scandal
First Minister John Swinney was compelled to issue a grovelling apology last night to the victims of SNP sex predator Jordan Linden. However, this apology comes a full four years after initial complaints about Linden's twisted behaviour were reportedly ignored by the SNP. Swinney notably failed to fully acknowledge his party's systemic failings in handling the scandal.
He finally expressed regret yesterday, three days after Linden was convicted of ten separate sex offences and following a direct confrontation by The Mail at a pro-independence rally. Yet, political opponents swiftly dismissed his statement as 'pathetic and grovelling', highlighting deep-seated frustrations over the delayed response.
Victims Demand Probe into Scottish Youth Parliament
Swinney's apology coincided with three men abused by the 30-year-old former SNP council leader demanding an urgent investigation into the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) by charity regulators. The victims likened the organisation to the 'Hunger Games', referencing the dystopian film where teenagers are forced into lethal combat, suggesting a toxic environment of neglect and exploitation.
In a statement to the Mail on Sunday, Swinney said: 'The first thing I want to say is I would apologise to anyone affected by the whole process and experience that has happened here. A lot of issues have come to light about Jordan Linden's conduct.' He emphasised his sorrow for those impacted by Linden and the 'entire flawed process'.
Independent Review Ordered Amid Cover-Up Allegations
The First Minister revealed he has commissioned an 'independent review' into the SNP's own examination of its complaints handling procedure from 2022. This aims 'to ensure it is fit for purpose for the future', with Swinney asserting: 'We have to make sure that when it gets complaints it addresses them properly and I'm confident we will do that.' He claimed no prior knowledge of Linden's misconduct 'until it came into the public domain'.
Nevertheless, critics remain sceptical. Meghan Gallacher of the Scottish Conservatives labelled Swinney's apology as 'pathetic, grovelling', arguing it arrived far too late and holds little weight with victims who felt 'gaslit' by the SNP to protect party reputation. She stressed the necessity for Swinney's review to earn the trust of Linden's victims, questioning how 'Honest John' could have been unaware given alleged frantic cover-up efforts within SNP circles.
Whistleblower Claims SNP Complicity in Cover-Up
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie called for Swinney to 'come clean' about who in the SNP was responsible for the Linden 'cover-up'. She warned: 'If he continues to refuse to do this there is only one conclusion to draw - John Swinney is not on the side of the victims of Jordan Linden's sexual abuse, he is on the side of those who covered up for the abuser.'
The SNP was first alerted to Linden's predatory behaviour in 2017 by a concerned young SNP member and former SYP participant, who witnessed Linden's actions firsthand. This individual emailed the party nearly a decade ago, stating he was 'concerned that Jordan Linden is not fit to represent the SNP as a political organisation.' He detailed incidents within the SYP and urged the party to investigate.
In August 2022, when details emerged of Linden assaulting a young SNP member in Dundee in 2019, the same man contacted the SNP again, writing: 'Given the various reports…in particular the 2019 incident...I believe it would be the best course of action to re-examine Linden's status within the party. Specifically the recent allegation that Linden sexually assaulted an individual…should be enough to look at this case again.' His pleas were entirely ignored, with Linden remaining an SNP member until his voluntary resignation in 2023.
When questioned about these warning emails, Swinney reiterated he had 'no knowledge of this until it came into the public domain.'
Councillor Accuses SNP of Complicity
A whistleblower councillor, who alleged he was assaulted and harassed by Linden at North Lanarkshire Council, accused the SNP of being 'complicit' in covering up Linden's crimes. Cameron McManus, who reported Linden to police in 2023, stated: 'The SNP are complicit in this. They were warned, not only by me, but others, about Linden and they did nothing.'
He criticised the announced review as 'an utter nonsense', noting a similar review years ago whose outcomes were never publicised. McManus demanded transparency: 'They have to make clear what the outcome was, and why what they are doing now is different. This is an attempt to ignore questions about Jordan before the election. It is completely unacceptable.'
Jordan Linden abused young men and boys over a decade, including during his tenure as an SNP councillor, with former first minister Nicola Sturgeon previously noted as an ally of the disgraced predator. The scandal continues to cast a long shadow over the SNP's internal governance and commitment to victim support.
