Leaked Recordings Expose SNP’s Alleged Cover-Up of Jordan Linden Scandal
A series of leaked recordings have revealed a troubling episode involving Scottish National Party (SNP) politicians attempting to suppress the Jordan Linden sex scandal. The recordings, which have been widely condemned as “disgraceful,” show senior members of the party allegedly working to protect Linden, a former council leader who was recently found guilty of multiple sexual offenses.
The North Lanarkshire councillor who shared the recordings highlighted how Linden’s colleagues sought to shield him from public scrutiny just days after he stepped down from his role in 2022 due to misconduct allegations. The audio clips reveal conversations among SNP councillors who expressed strong support for Linden, claiming that he had “support from the party.” They also warned against leaking information to the press, suggesting that such actions could exacerbate the crisis.
Scottish Labour has strongly criticized the party, labeling it the “Scottish Nasty Party” and accusing it of prioritizing its own interests over justice. The party pointed out that victims had raised concerns about Linden with the SNP, but these warnings were reportedly ignored. Whistleblowers were dismissed as liars, further deepening the controversy.
The Scottish Conservatives have described the situation as an example of “manipulation and cover-up.” They argue that the SNP’s internal processes have failed to protect vulnerable individuals and that the party is more focused on maintaining its image than addressing serious issues.
Jordan Linden, now on the sex offenders register, was found guilty of ten offenses against young men between 2011 and 2021. These included five sexual assaults. During his trial, it was revealed that some victims had alerted the SNP about his behavior, but their concerns were not taken seriously.
John Swinney, the SNP’s finance secretary, ordered a review of the party’s complaints process. However, it later emerged that he had ignored a plea from Linden’s former colleagues six months prior to implement better safeguarding measures.
Meghan Gallagher, a Scottish Tory candidate for Bellshill, criticized the SNP for its handling of the issue. She stated that the leaked recordings demonstrate the extent of the party’s alleged manipulation and cover-up. Gallagher called Swinney’s independent review into the complaints procedure a “cynical PR exercise” and accused the SNP of always putting its interests above doing what is right.
One of Linden’s key allies during the period of his offending was Tracy Carragher, now the leader of the SNP opposition on the council and a Holyrood list candidate for Central Scotland. Carragher and fellow SNP councillor Fiona Fotheringham served as defense witnesses in the trial.
In the leaked recordings, Carragher is heard saying, “Jordan’s got a lot of support. He’s got support from the party, from his family and from his partner. The party told him not to comment.” Fotheringham, meanwhile, referenced the backlash faced by then-SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford for encouraging colleagues to support MP Patrick Grady, who was also accused of inappropriate behavior.
Fotheringham added, “We are supportive of Jordan. We send our love. We’ve sent our support.” She then said, “I would not expect to read anything like that in the papers.”
Councillor Claire Barclay expressed outrage at the leaks, claiming that whoever released one particular email had “put the party at risk and independence at risk.” She called the leak “evil, absolute evil” and issued a warning: “If it doesn’t stop, we’ll find out who that person is and the full force of disciplinary [action] will go against them. That is a final warning. The cameras are on us.”
Councillor Kirsten Larson claimed that based on the information she had, the only thing Linden was guilty of was being a “young person.”
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie condemned the SNP for its alleged bullying and gaslighting of victims. She argued that the recordings prove the party’s determination to protect its reputation at all costs. Baillie noted that the SNP had been explicitly informed about Linden’s behavior in emails from 2017 and 2022, despite its attempts to deny knowledge of the situation.
She concluded that the SNP and Swinney are unfit for office, calling the party “addicted to cover-up and secrecy.”
The four councillors involved in the taped conversations were approached for comment. The SNP responded by stating that it “welcomes the verdict against Mr. Linden and commends the bravery of the individuals who came forward and shared their experiences with the police.”
