John Swinney did not respond to a letter calling for an investigation into the SNP’s complaints process linked to Jordan Linden, the ex-council leader convicted of sexual assaults against young men.
The First Minister has now announced a fresh review into the party’s complaints procedures and publicly apologised to the victims of Linden, who was once considered a rising star in the SNP.
Linden, who previously led North Lanarkshire Council, was convicted of 10 separate offences over the period of a decade , including five sexual assaults.
The offending took place between 2011 and 2021, and he was also convicted of stalking, coercive behaviour and sexual communications.
The SNP’s independent review was announced after a victim claimed Linden’s actions “could have been stopped earlier” and claimed victims were called “liars” and “were pushed out of politics”.
The Sunday Times revealed a letter was sent to Mr Swinney in September last year urging him to launch an investigation into the SNP’s complaints processes.
John Swinney: “I want to say at the outset of all of this that I apologise to the victims of Jordan Linden. They have had experiences they should never have had, and that is his conduct, but certainly I am very happy to express an apology to them.” https://t.co/oeNLmHJFD0 pic.twitter.com/JyddL2qWRE
— Andrew Learmonth (@andrewlearmonth) March 29, 2026
Meanwhile, former party leader Humza Yousaf has urged the SNP to “reflect” on the criticism of how it handled the complaints against Linden.
Councillor Greg Lennon, who now sits as an independent, wrote to the First Minister on behalf of the “affected former SNP councillors” outlining concerns.
Read more:
- Swinney apologises after Linden convicted of sexual assaults
- Stephen Flynn urges SNP candidate to clarify position after defending Jordan Linden
- Labour demands Swinney 'come clean' over sex complaints about SNP rising star
- Ex-SNP councillor found guilty of 10 charges including sexually assaulting three men
The letter was dated September 11, 2025, and was also emailed to Mr Swinney’s predecessor, Mr Yousaf.
It stated that in 2022, “eight [then] SNP councillors repeatedly raised safeguarding concerns in relation to the alleged sexual misconduct of Cllr Jordan James Linden, North Lanarkshire SNP Group Leader”.
It added: “Thereafter, those councillors were subjected to prolonged suspension, exclusion, bullying and harassment and a series of unfounded or mishandled complaints. As a result, all eight councillors subsequently left the SNP and formed Progressive Change North Lanarkshire.”
The letter claims none of the councillors who raised the alarm were ever contacted about a review or investigation.
Those behind the letter said they did not receive a reply.
Mr Yousaf’s interview aired on BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show, however it was recorded before the SNP announced its fresh review.
The former first minister said the SNP had strengthened its processes as a result of the MeToo movement, which is a campaign against sexual abuse.
“For example, people weren’t wanting to speak to the party directly because they thought there was maybe a conflict of interest 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.”
During Linden’s trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court, one of the men targeted by him told the court he had asked for help from within the SNP but felt his complaints were not taken seriously.
“Everywhere I went for help in the SNP, I was ignored or it was downplayed,” he said.
He went to the police in 2023 because he “did not feel confident” the party would deal with the complaints appropriately.
Mr Swinney apologised to victims on Saturday, telling The Herald: "I want to say at the outset of all of this that I apologise to the victims of Jordan Linden. They have had experiences they should never have had, and that is his conduct, but certainly I am very happy to express an apology to them.
“We reviewed our complaints handling process in 2022.
Read more:
- Sturgeon among Glasgow MSPs urging UK Gov to 'play part' in Union Street fire repairs
- Sarwar: John Swinney should be 'ashamed' for claiming Labour want deal with Reform
- Scots gangland figure arrested in Indonesia following Police Scotland raids
“I have asked in the light of the trial for that to be assessed independently, so that we can make sure we have got the appropriate arrangements in place for the future, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
A spokesman for the SNP said the party had undertaken a “comprehensive review” of the complaints process since 2016, but added: "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.”
Share