SNP Leader John Swinney Commissions Independent Review of Party Complaints Process
Scottish National Party leader John Swinney has ordered an independent review of the party's complaints procedure in the wake of the conviction of former senior councillor Jordan Linden for sexual offences. The move comes as the SNP faces serious accusations that it failed to adequately handle complaints about Linden's conduct while he served as a prominent political figure.
Former Council Leader Convicted on Multiple Charges
Jordan Linden, the former leader of North Lanarkshire Council, was convicted on Thursday of ten separate offences following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court. The charges included five counts of sexual assault, marking a significant legal outcome that has sent shockwaves through Scottish political circles.
One anonymous victim, speaking to STV News, claimed that Linden's actions "could have been stopped earlier" if the party had responded appropriately to complaints. The victim further stated that those who came forward "weren't believed, we were called liars, we were pushed out of politics." They added, "He was enabled, and I hope in time we find out why."
SNP Announces Comprehensive Review
An SNP spokesperson confirmed on Friday that Swinney had instructed an independent examination of the party's complaints procedures, while simultaneously welcoming the court's verdict against Linden. "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," the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson emphasized that the review aims to "ensure people are protected and our complaints procedures are as robust as they can be." They continued, "More generally, the SNP welcomes the verdict against Mr Linden and commends the bravery of the individuals who came forward and shared their experiences with the police."
Political Fallout and Denials
The conviction has triggered significant political repercussions, with SNP councillor Tracy Carragher, the current leader of the SNP group on North Lanarkshire Council, denying allegations that she defended Linden during his trial. Carragher, who is seventh on the party's list for the Central Scotland and West Lothians region in May's Holyrood election, stated, "I welcome the decision reached by the jury. It should send a message that even when victims do not go to the police straight away, justice can still be done."
She added, "My thoughts are with the victims in this case, and I truly hope that this verdict will bring them some closure. 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."
Fellow councillor Fiona Fotheringham also provided evidence during the proceedings but has not issued any public statement regarding the matter.
Opposition Criticism and Police Statement
Scottish Conservative candidate for Uddingston and Bellshill, Meghan Gallacher, described the review as "long-overdue" and "tantamount to an admission by John Swinney that the SNP's safeguarding and complaints procedure is not fit for purpose." She argued, "He's been forced into this action following the outcry over the vile and predatory actions of Jordan Linden, but it smacks of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted."
Gallacher further contended that "this 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 called on Swinney, Carragher, and other SNP figures to answer serious questions about their knowledge of Linden's behaviour.
Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr, the senior investigating officer, released a statement praising the victims' courage. "This was a protracted investigation which involved speaking with a broad range of people, many of whom regarded Linden as being in a position of trust," she said. "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."
DCI Barr added, "I'd like to thank the victims who came forward to report their experiences to police. Their testimony and support ensured that we were able to bring Linden before the courts. No-one should be subjected to sexual offending, and we will always investigate reports, regardless of when they occurred or who the perpetrator is."
Jordan Linden is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5, as the SNP prepares to implement its independent review of internal complaints handling mechanisms in response to this high-profile case.
