SNP Removes North Lanarkshire Council Leader Amid Linden Allegations Investigation
The Scottish National Party has taken decisive action by sacking Tracy Carragher from her position as group leader on North Lanarkshire Council. This move comes as the party investigates her handling of serious allegations made against former councillor Jordan Linden.
Immediate Suspension and Candidate Removal
Carragher, who was previously on the SNP regional list for Central Scotland and Lothians West, has been completely removed from both her council leadership role and her candidacy for the forthcoming elections. The party confirmed her membership has been suspended pending a thorough investigation into the matter.
An SNP spokesman stated emphatically: 'In light of ongoing allegations regarding the handling of matters within the North Lanarkshire Council SNP group in relation to Jordan Linden, the national secretary has suspended councillor Carragher pending an investigation.'
The spokesman further clarified: 'This means she will no longer be an SNP candidate in the forthcoming elections or leader of the SNP Group on the council. We take this issue seriously and the voices of complainants must always be heard.'
Mounting Political Pressure
The decision follows sustained pressure on the party leadership to address Carragher's position. First Minister John Swinney had previously defended the SNP's candidates when questioned about his confidence in Carragher, insisting that selected candidates 'will go forward for election.'
Pressure intensified after Carragher was called as a defence witness during Linden's trial. Jordan Linden was convicted in March at Falkirk Sheriff Court for harassing and abusing boys and young men over a decade while serving as chairman of the Scottish Youth Parliament and as an SNP councillor for Bellshill.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Scottish Conservative candidate for Uddingston and Bellshill Meghan Gallacher criticized the timing of the decision: 'This decision should never have taken John Swinney so long to reach. His dithering over the past week has been an insult to this vile predator's victims.'
Gallacher further alleged: 'He was already aware of the damning secret recordings that proved Tracy Carragher was at pains to protect Jordan Linden and railed against anyone raising concerns about him. Ditching Tracy Carragher isn't the end of the matter for John Swinney.'
Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie added: 'John Swinney has been dragged kicking and screaming into suspending Tracy Carragher - but only after days of defending the indefensible. The SNP's handling of this scandal has been shameful from start to finish.'
Council Motions and Wider Implications
The Mail had earlier reported that North Lanarkshire Council was due to discuss two significant motions on Thursday. One motion called for Carragher's immediate resignation, while the second proposed severing ties with the Scottish Youth Parliament entirely.
This case has raised serious questions about the SNP's internal complaints system and how allegations are handled within the party structure. Critics argue there has been a pattern of protecting party interests over addressing victims' concerns properly.
The suspension represents a significant development in a case that has exposed tensions within Scottish politics and highlighted ongoing concerns about how political parties manage serious allegations against their members.
