A former leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) on a local council has received an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving young men and teenagers, some as young as 14 years old.
Jordan Linden, who had previously been viewed as a promising figure within the SNP, was found guilty of five sexual assaults against young men following a trial held at Falkirk sheriff court in March. The court proceedings revealed that the SNP had either minimized or overlooked reports regarding his inappropriate behavior.
At 30 years old, Linden resigned from his position as the leader of North Lanarkshire council in 2022 after allegations surfaced. He was also found guilty of sending unsolicited sexual messages to seven teenagers, the youngest being 14, which included explicit photographs of himself both in a bathtub and of his genitals.
Among the charges was an incident where Linden sexually assaulted two individuals during a house party in Dundee that took place after a Pride march in 2019.
Linden, who previously served as chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, denied all allegations, which spanned a decade from 2011 to 2021. Following his conviction, he has been registered as a sex offender.
One witness recounted during the trial that while on a trip to Barcelona with Young Scots for Independence, the SNP’s youth faction, Linden had crawled into his bunk at a hostel and began to inappropriately touch him and attempt to kiss his neck.
This witness reported Linden’s misconduct to the police in 2023, expressing doubt that the SNP would properly address his earlier complaints. “Everywhere I turned for assistance within the SNP, I was either ignored or my concerns were minimized,” he stated in court.
In the aftermath of Linden’s conviction, victims expressed to the Mail on Sunday, the publication that first reported the story, their desire for the charities regulator to scrutinize the Scottish Youth Parliament, which they labeled as “a hunting ground” for Linden. One victim recounted being inappropriately touched and tickled in front of other youth workers, who dismissed such behavior as “just Jordan.”
The victims have also criticized the SNP’s handling of their complaints. Following the verdict, John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader, issued a personal apology. “I am deeply sorry for anyone who has suffered due to Jordan Linden’s actions,” he remarked.
Swinney has also initiated an independent review of the SNP’s complaint procedures to ensure that robust measures are established within the party.
Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr, the lead investigator in the case, commented on the lengthy investigation, which involved interviewing numerous individuals who viewed Linden as a figure of trust. “He exploited this trust to befriend young males seeking guidance and mentorship, yet his behavior was anything but professional,” she stated. “I extend my gratitude to the victims who bravely came forward to share their experiences with the police. Their courage and cooperation were crucial in bringing Linden to justice.”
