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Tracy Carragher, who led the SNP group on North Lanarkshire Council, has been suspended from the party and removed as a candidate in the upcoming election. Her suspension follows criticism over her response to complaints regarding Jordan Linden, the former council leader recently convicted of sexually assaulting young men. Carragher had been slated to run as a regional list candidate for Central Scotland and Lothians West in next month’s election.
An SNP spokesperson explained that Carragher’s suspension and removal as a candidate came “in light of ongoing allegations regarding the handling of matters within the North Lanarkshire Council SNP group in relation to Jordan Linden.” They emphasized the party’s commitment to taking such issues seriously, stating that “the voices of complainants must always be heard.” Alongside her suspension, Carragher was also stripped of her position as leader of the council’s SNP group.
Carragher faces further scrutiny through a council motion accusing her of minimizing or ignoring complaints about Linden’s conduct. This motion, scheduled for debate on Thursday, demands her immediate resignation as well as that of fellow councillor Fiona Fotheringham. North Lanarkshire Council, currently governed by a Labour minority administration, will also consider suspending its work with the Scottish Youth Parliament, an organization where Linden formerly served as chairman. Carragher has been invited to comment on the motion.
The controversy traces back to 2022 when reports surfaced that Linden had made unwanted advances towards a teenager. In a recorded emergency SNP group meeting shortly after those reports, Carragher appeared to imply that individuals raising concerns with the press did so for “personal gain” and suggested that the party had instructed Linden “not to comment,” indicating control over the situation within the SNP. Former SNP councillor Cameron McManus, who lodged complaints about Linden, alleges he confided in Carragher but that she failed to act, calling her unfit for office. Although SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn initially suggested that Carragher should reconsider her candidacy, the party later provided a partial endorsement.
First Minister John Swinney has expressed deep regret over the situation, stating he is “very sorry” to those affected. He announced an independent review of the SNP’s complaints process, underscoring the importance of listening to complainants and addressing such issues. Swinney confirmed that the review “will explore and examine all the ways in which these issues have been handled and those issues will be resolved by the SNP.” Critics, including McManus, contend that the party previously downplayed or overlooked the allegations. It was also reported that former SNP councillors had called for a review of complaints procedures six months ago but had not received a response.
Former councillor Greg Lennon, who now sits as an independent, wrote to Swinney in September alleging that SNP members raising 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, who remarked that while the party had improved its processes following the MeToo movement, it must still reflect on complaints and criticisms to improve further. The SNP highlighted that complaints procedures have been extensively reviewed since 2016 and welcomed the verdict against Linden, commending the courage of those who reported their experiences. The party confirmed it had responded to Lennon’s letter and reiterated it is committed to protecting individuals through strengthened complaint mechanisms
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