SNP Leader Confronted Over Party's Handling of Sexual Predator Case
First Minister John Swinney has been confronted with demands to issue a formal apology to victims of convicted sexual predator Jordan Linden within the Scottish National Party. He faces mounting pressure to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding why multiple complaints about the former high-flyer were systematically ignored over many years.
Accusations of Reprehensible Silence and Systemic Failure
Opposition politicians have accused Mr Swinney of maintaining what they describe as a 'reprehensible silence' concerning how Linden managed to evade accountability for years of abusive behaviour targeting boys and young men. The former North Lanarkshire Council leader was convicted at Falkirk Sheriff Court of ten separate offences committed between 2011 and 2021, including five counts of sexual assault, following a rigorous seven-day trial.
Numerous victims have come forward stating that their formal complaints to SNP officials were repeatedly brushed aside, with no meaningful action taken to address their concerns. One victim stated publicly on STV that Linden, aged 30, had been 'enabled' by party colleagues, adding: 'We weren't believed. We were called liars. We were pushed out of politics while he was able to behave like that and just carry on.'
Independent Review Announced Amid Political Backlash
Facing intense scrutiny following Thursday's verdict, Mr Swinney announced an 'independent review' of the party's internal procedures. However, opposition parties have dismissed this move as insufficient, insisting that only complete transparency will address the systemic failures.
Scottish Conservative candidate for Central Scotland Meghan Gallagher declared the case 'stinks of SNP cover-up and secrecy', accusing the party of prioritising its reputation 'ahead of doing the right thing'. She stated: 'This long-overdue independent review is tantamount to an admission by John Swinney that the SNP's safeguarding and complaints procedure is not fit for purpose.'
Gallagher emphasised that the review 'should have been ordered years ago because a succession of victims have been let down by the SNP's shoddy handling of misconduct allegations against their politicians.' She referenced previous cases involving Derek Mackay and Patrick Grady, asserting that 'the Nationalists' first instinct is to close ranks and protect the party's reputation rather than support victims.'
Labour Condemns 'Culture of Covering Up Sexual Crimes'
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie launched a scathing critique, describing the review announcement as 'a shameful, disgraceful, and desperate attempt to distract from the SNP's culture of routinely covering up sexual crimes.' She declared: 'John Swinney's continued silence on this issue is reprehensible, and no cover-up party inquiry should stop Scotland's voters getting answers.'
Dame Jackie demanded that Mr Swinney 'must give an on the record press conference and disclose how and why the SNP covered up accusations of Linden's sadistic sexual abuse.' She added: 'Most importantly, John Swinney must apologise for the years of cover-up and gaslighting that his party has perpetrated towards Linden's victims.'
Linden's Political Rise and Criminal Conviction
Once regarded as a rising star within the SNP, Jordan Linden joined the Scottish Youth Parliament at age 15 in 2011 and ascended to become its chair in 2015. He stepped down the following year amid controversy surrounding explicit images of him circulating among members. Elected to North Lanarkshire Council in 2017, Linden became council leader after the 2022 election but resigned after just two months following sexual misconduct allegations.
The court found Linden guilty of five sexual assaults and sending unwanted sexual communications to five teenagers, with the youngest victim being just 14 years old. One particularly disturbing offence involved Linden sexually assaulting two victims at a house party in Dundee following a Pride march in 2019. One victim testified that Linden locked him in a bathroom and attempted to coerce him into urinating while being watched.
Linden, from Bellshill, has been placed on the sex offenders' register and is scheduled for sentencing on 5 May. One victim revealed to police that Linden climbed into bed with him during an SNP youth trip to Barcelona in 2016, claiming the SNP ignored him for three years 'calling me a liar, avoiding me and treating me like the accused rather than the victim.'
Internal Party Criticism and Calls for Expulsions
Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC asserted the case was 'typical' of how the party operated under former leader Nicola Sturgeon and her husband, former chief executive Peter Murrell. She wrote: 'This was part of a systemic failure which went on for years. Complaints of harassment or bullying were ignored unless they could be weaponised against those seen as a threat to the leadership.'
Greg Lennon, one of six SNP councillors in North Lanarkshire who left the party in protest over the Linden scandal, stated the party failed to 'suspend, discipline, or remove Mr Linden at the appropriate time.' He called for Councillor Tracy Carragher, who served as Linden's deputy council leader and testified as a defence witness during his trial, along with six other SNP councillors, to be expelled from the group. Lennon suggested 'greater weight was given to Mr Linden's mental health and wellbeing than to those raising concerns.'
Police Investigation and Party Responses
Police Scotland's senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr, stated Linden 'abused this position to befriend young males who were seeking his support and the opportunity to learn from his work.' She expressed gratitude to the victims who came forward, emphasising: 'No one should be subjected to sexual offending, and we will always investigate reports, regardless of when they occurred or who the perpetrator is.'
An SNP spokesman responded: 'We have undertaken a comprehensive review of our complaints procedures since 2016, but in light of this case the Party Leader, John Swinney, has today instructed that an independent review of these procedures be conducted. This will ensure people are protected and our complaints procedures are as robust as they can be.'
The Scottish Youth Parliament issued a statement declaring Linden's actions were 'diametrically opposed' to its values, emphasising that 'safeguarding, well-being and child protection' remain of paramount importance to the organisation.
