Yousaf: SNP must reflect on criticism in case of sex offender ex-council leader

The SNP should “reflect” on criticism it has faced from those who complained against Jordan Linden, former leader Humza Yousaf has said.

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.

Speaking to STV News on Friday, 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.”

Responding to the criticism, the SNP announced it had launched an independent review of its complaints procedures on Friday.

In an interview with the BBC – which aired on Sunday but was recorded before the review was announced – Mr Yousaf said the SNP had strengthened its processes as a result of the MeToo movement.

“For example, people weren’t wanting to speak to the party directly because they thought there was maybe a conflict there, they could speak to an independent, for example, legal adviser that we would give them access to to be able to make those complaints and formalise those complaints,” he said.

“Obviously, these allegations and these complaints – and now charges that Jordan Linden has been found guilty of – they’re criminal, so rightly complaints are made to the police.

“But the party, of course, should reflect on any complaints that have been made, any criticisms from those who have been victims of inappropriate behaviour, and we should always seek to do better.”

First Minister John Swinney has apologised to the victims of Linden, telling the Press Association on Saturday: “The first thing I want to say is that for anybody who has suffered as a consequence of the behaviour of Jordan Linden, I’m very, very sorry for what they have experienced.”

The party has also faced criticism following a Sunday Times report that a letter was sent to Mr Swinney in September of last year which urged him to launch a probe into the complaints procedure.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: “Not only did he fail to act, but he also did not even bother to respond to the letter that was sent to him about it.

“This demonstrates that Swinney could not care less about the victims of a sex predator, he only cares about protecting the reputation of the SNP.

“If Swinney has any backbone at all, he will hold a televised press conference to clearly set out what he knew about Linden and why he refused to act.

“He must provide complete transparency about why the SNP, for years, sought to cover up and gaslight victims when it was clear that Linden was a predator.”

An SNP spokesman said: “We have undertaken a comprehensive review of our complaints procedures since 2016, but in light of this case the party leader, John Swinney, has instructed that an independent review of these procedures be conducted.

“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.”