One of Jordan Linden’s victims has claimed the party failed to deal with complaints about his conduct.
SNP leader John Swinney has ordered an independent review of the party’s complaints procedure after a former senior councillor was convicted of sexual offences.
Jordan Linden – the former leader of North Lanarkshire Council – was convicted of 10 separate offences on Thursday following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court, including five sexual assaults.
The party is facing accusations it failed to deal with complaints about his conduct.
Speaking to STV News, one anonymous victim said Linden’s actions “could have been stopped earlier”, adding that victims “weren’t believed, we were called liars, we were pushed out of politics”.
They said: “He was enabled, and I hope in time we find out why.”
A spokesperson for the SNP on Friday announced a review of the complaints procedure, while welcoming the verdict.
“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,” they said.
“This will ensure people are protected and our complaints procedures are as robust as they can be.
“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.”
One of Linden’s fellow councillors, Tracy Carragher – the current leader of the SNP group on the council – has denied she defended him during his trial.
Ms Carragher – who is seventh on the party’s list for the Central Scotland and West Lothians region in May’s Holyrood election, said: “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.
“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.
“Had any councillor asked me to step in to protect them from another member of the SNP group, I would have done so.
“I am clear that they did not, but I fully understand why someone might not wish to divulge such personal information to me.
“I have not spoken to Jordan Linden since his arrest.”
Fellow councillor Fiona Fotheringham also gave evidence during the trial. She has not made a statement.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn told journalists on Friday it is for the councillors who gave evidence to “be clear about what they chose to do and what their views are now”.
The SNP spokesperson added: “Having not been aware of the detail of the trial, a question was put to Stephen Flynn which appeared to suggest councillor Carragher had sought to defend Mr Linden.
“In fact, councillor Carragher was called as a witness in a criminal court case and was required to attend and give her evidence to the best of her knowledge.”
In a statement released on Friday, Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr, the senior investigating officer, said: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Linden will be sentenced on May 5.
