Calls for Resignation Over Handling of Linden Allegations
The leader of the SNP group on North Lanarkshire Council, Tracy Carragher, is facing demands to resign due to her handling of sexual assault allegations against former council leader Jordan Linden.
In addition to calls for her to step down from her council leadership role, Carragher is also being urged to withdraw as an SNP candidate on the Central Scotland list for the upcoming Holyrood election next month.
A council motion accuses Carragher of ignoring or minimizing complaints about Linden, who was convicted last week of sexually assaulting young men and sending inappropriate sexual messages to boys as young as 14.
The motion, scheduled for debate on Thursday, calls for the immediate resignation of both Carragher and her colleague Fiona Fotheringham.
North Lanarkshire Council, governed by a minority Labour administration since 2022, will also consider suspending its involvement with the Scottish Youth Parliament, where Linden previously held the position of chairman.
Carragher has been approached for comment regarding the allegations and calls for her resignation.
SNP leader John Swinney has declined to confirm whether he retains confidence in Carragher.
She served as deputy leader of the council when reports emerged in 2022 that Linden had made unwanted advances toward a teenager three years prior.
During an emergency SNP group meeting at North Lanarkshire Council held shortly after the reports, a recording captures Carragher suggesting that individuals who reported concerns about Linden's conduct to newspapers did so for "personal gain."
She also appears to state that the SNP instructed Linden "not to comment," adding that the party "decide what happens."
Cameron McManus, a former SNP councillor who raised complaints about Linden, stated that he confided in Carragher but alleges she failed to take action, describing her as unfit for office.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn commented on Friday that Carragher should "reflect" on her candidacy, although the party later issued a partial clarification reaffirming support for her.
Swinney's Response and Party Review
When asked if Carragher should remain an election candidate, Swinney told BBC Scotland News on Monday that the SNP had "selected our candidates and our candidates are in place."
Regarding his confidence in Carragher, who is standing on the Central Scotland regional list, he reiterated, "the SNP had selected our candidates and our candidates are in place to fight the election."
McManus and others have accused the SNP of downplaying or disregarding the allegations against Linden.
Over the weekend, Swinney expressed that he was "very sorry" to those who had suffered and announced an independent review of the SNP's complaints process.
The Sunday Times reported that former SNP councillors had urged Swinney to review the party's complaints procedures six months ago but had not received a response.
Greg Lennon, now an independent councillor on North Lanarkshire Council, wrote to the first minister in September alleging that councillors who raised concerns about Linden faced "prolonged suspension, exclusion, bullying and harassment and a series of unfounded or mishandled complaints."
The letter was also sent to Swinney's predecessor, Humza Yousaf, who told BBC Scotland's Sunday Show that the SNP had strengthened its processes in response to the MeToo movement.
"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."
An SNP spokesperson stated that the party has comprehensively reviewed its complaints procedures since 2016 and highlighted that Swinney had commissioned an independent review following Linden's conviction.
"This will ensure people are protected and our complaints procedures are as robust as they can be,"
the spokesperson said.
"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."
The spokesperson added that the party had responded to the letter from councillors.
