SNP to review party complaints after sex attacks by ex-council leader

First Minister John Swinney has ordered an independent review of the SNP's complaints process, after an ex-council leader was convicted of sexually assaulting young men.

Jordan Linden, 30, was found guilty on Thursday of five assaults and sending unwanted sexual communications to teenagers - the youngest aged 14.

Some witnesses at Linden's trial claimed that complaints against North Lanarkshire Council's former SNP leader were ignored by the party.

The SNP said the fresh review would "ensure people are protected and our complaints procedures are as robust as they can be".

A party spokesperson added: "We have undertaken a comprehensive review of our complaints procedures since 2016, but in light of this case, John Swinney has instructed that an independent review of these procedures be conducted.

"The SNP welcomes the verdict against Mr Linden and commends the bravery of the individuals who came forward."

But North Lanarkshire councillor, Cameron McManus - who had complained about Linden's actions - told BBC Scotland News that the SNP handled the situation "horrendously".

He said: "They've tried to avoid the situation, downplay it, and call myself and quite a lot of the other victims liars.

"I know personally some of the other victims that came forward and made the SNP aware of it."

Linden's offences took place over a 10-year period from 2011 until 2021.

Falkirk Sheriff Court heard from victims who recalled assaults and unwanted advances by Linden.

Other offences included sending explicit photos of himself in a bath and shots of his genitalia.

One incident was reported to have taken place in 2019, following a Dundee Pride parade with Out For Independence - the LGBT wing of the SNP.

The court heard from a party official who said Linden had locked him in a bathroom and tried to get him to urinate while he watched.

Another witness told the trial that during a trip to Barcelona with Young Scots for Independence - the youth wing of the SNP - Linden had climbed into his bed at a hostel and started caressing him and trying to kiss him.

Linden became a councillor for the SNP the following year, and rose to become North Lanarkshire council leader in 2022.

He resigned from the post a few weeks later when the allegations emerged.

Speaking to BBC Scotland News, the SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said he was angry on behalf of the victims.

Many offences occurred while Linden, from Bellshill in Lanarkshire, was chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Flynn said: "I'm absolutely horrified that this individual - what I would regard as a predator - managed to get into such a senior position within the Scottish Youth Parliament and become leader of a hugely important local authority.

"I'm angry on behalf of the victims that they had to deal with his behaviour.

"The main thing for us collectively in politics is to make sure such people don't get into positions of influence."

Linden was arrested by specialist officers from Police Scotland in February 2024.

He denied all the charges against him – saying they either did not take place, or were consensual.

Det Ch Insp Diane Barr, said investigating officers had spoken with many people who "regarded Linden as being in a position of trust".

She added: "He abused this position to befriend young males who were seeking his support and the opportunity to learn from his work.

"His conduct toward them was far from professional. I'd like to thank the victims who came forward.

"Their testimony and support ensured that we were able to bring Linden before the courts."

Linden initially faced 15 charges. He was found not guilty of six charges involving stalking and sexual assault.

On Thursday he was placed on the sex offenders register before being released on bail.

The Scottish Youth Parliament said Linden's actions were "reprehensible and diametrically opposed" to its values.