Councillor who stood by sex abuser Jordan Linden is readmitted to SNP
The SNP has readmitted North Lanarkshire councillor Tracy Carragher after suspending her amid scrutiny of her handling of concerns about former council leader Jordan Linden. The decision matters because Carragher gave evidence favourable to Linden at his trial and had faced criticism over claims that warnings about his conduct were not properly addressed.
Linden was convicted of 10 offences, including five sexual assaults, involving young men and boys over a decade, and was later jailed for 18 months. Carragher was removed as an SNP candidate and as leader of the party’s council group while an investigation took place; she has said she did not defend Linden and cooperated with due process.
- SNP readmits councillor suspended over the Linden controversy.
- Carragher denies defending Linden or mishandling complaints.
- Linden was jailed after convictions for multiple sexual offences.
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The Scottish National Party, or SNP, is a major political party in Scotland and has councillors in local authorities across the country. North Lanarkshire Council is the local body responsible for services such as housing, schools, roads and social care in its area.
Tracy Carragher is a councillor in North Lanarkshire and had held senior roles within the SNP’s local council group. Jordan Linden was formerly the council leader, a position that involves leading the administration and setting much of the council’s political direction.
Linden’s criminal case raised questions about whether people around him had responded adequately to concerns about his behaviour. Carragher’s role became part of that wider scrutiny because of her trial evidence and her previous association with him.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Readmitting Carragher can be seen as respecting due process and the distinction between association with an offender and personal wrongdoing. If the party’s investigation found no basis for continued suspension, it is fair to restore her membership rather than impose an indefinite penalty for giving evidence or for actions she says were not intended to defend Linden. This view prioritises procedural fairness, rehabilitation and judging individuals on established facts.
The case against
Keeping Carragher out of the party can be seen as necessary to maintain public trust, particularly given the gravity of Linden’s offences and the concerns that warning signs were not properly addressed. Critics may argue that favourable trial evidence and her senior role make her judgement and accountability legitimate political questions even without criminal culpability. This view prioritises safeguarding, confidence among victims and a clear standard for those in positions of authority.