Complaints About Jordan Linden Allegedly Downplayed by SNP
A councillor testified in court that the Scottish National Party (SNP) "downplayed or ignored" his complaints regarding the conduct of Jordan Linden, a prominent figure within the party.
Linden, who previously served as a council leader, is currently on trial facing 21 charges related to offences against seven boys and five young men spanning from 2011 to 2022. The allegations include sexual assault, stalking, sexual communication, and statutory breach of the peace.
The witness recounted an incident from when he was 18 years old, describing how Linden climbed into his bed, kissed, and "caressed" him, continuing despite being asked to stop.
He explained that he reported Linden's behaviour to the police in 2023 because he "did not feel confident" that the complaints he had previously made to the SNP would be handled properly.
Linden, who hails from Bellshill, resigned as leader of North Lanarkshire Council in 2022. He denies all charges brought against him.
Incident During 2016 Spain Trip
At Falkirk Sheriff Court, the man detailed an event involving himself, Linden, and other members of Young Scots for Independence—the SNP's youth wing—during a trip to Spain for a Catalonian national day event in September 2016.
After a night out in Barcelona, the group "raced" back to their youth hostel and went to bed. During the night, Linden climbed into the top bunk beside the witness.
"His presence woke me up. He was sort of cuddling me from behind, sort of spooning, moving his arms up and down my legs and my stomach."
"He started just above the knee and sort of caressed up the way, cutting into the stomach in a continuous motion."
"There were a few attempts to kiss my neck. His lips made contact with my neck. It was as if he was trying to get longer kisses."
The witness said he tried to push Linden away and told him to stop, but Linden continued for "a couple of minutes," which felt longer to him.
He described feeling "kind of unsafe and insecure" but attempted to move past the incident and continue with the trip.
At that time, Linden was either working or volunteering for an SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP).
Comments on Appearance and Impact on Role
Linden, now aged 30, progressed from being an SNP group assistant business manager to the leader of North Lanarkshire Council. Meanwhile, the witness was elected as a councillor.
The man stated that Linden "was always trying to be over-friendly."
He also reported that Linden frequently made remarks about his clothing, specifically commenting on his suit trousers or tops being "tight" either before or after meetings.
"I started to modify the way I dressed as a result of the comments Mr Linden was making."
He expressed that these comments affected his ability to fully participate in his role.
Reporting to Police and Party Response
The witness informed prosecutor Alistair McDermid that he approached the police in 2023 to report Linden's conduct because he "did not feel confident" that the internal complaints he had made within the SNP since 2022 would be addressed appropriately.
"Everywhere I went for help in the SNP I was ignored or it was downplayed."
The trial, presided over by Sheriff Christopher Shead and a jury, is ongoing.
