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A former SNP council leader has been found guilty of multiple sex offences against boys and young men, with the youngest aged 14. Jordan Linden, 30, sexually assaulted two of his victims at a house party after a Dundee Pride parade in 2019, according to Police Scotland.

The force said all Linden’s victims were either boys or young men, with the youngest aged 14. His offences took place between 2011 and 2021. Det Ch Insp Diane Barr said the investigation involved speaking to many people who regarded Linden as occupying a position of trust.

She added: “He abused this position to befriend young males who were seeking his support and the opportunity to learn from his work, however, his conduct toward them was far from professional.

“I’d like to thank the victims who came forward to report their experiences to police. Their testimony and support ensured that we were able to bring Linden before the courts.”

Linden resigned as the leader of North Lanarkshire Council in July 2022 after reports of alleged sexual harassment emerged. It led to the collapse of the SNP administration in the area. Linden left the Nats in 2024.

He was convicted of 10 separate offences, including five sexual assaults, on Thursday (March 26) after a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court.

The politician was also found guilty of three counts of stalking or engaging in a course of conduct causing fear or alarm, one of coercing a person to look at a sexual image and communicating indecently and one of intentionally causing another to look at a sexual image without consent.

An SNP spokesperson said the party hoped the verdict brought some justice to those who bravely came forward and shared their experiences. They added: “Their courage in speaking out cannot be overstated. As proceedings remain ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Our thoughts are with the victims of abuse in this case. All aspects of the council’s youth work service have safeguarding policies and protocols in place to protect individuals.”

Linden also chaired the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), which put out a statement on Thursday describing his actions as “reprehensible”. A spokesperson said the SYP’s first thoughts are with those Linden harmed.

They added: “His actions were reprehensible and diametrically opposed to the values and ethos of the Scottish Youth Parliament and we have fully supported the investigation by Police Scotland and subsequent prosecution.

“An independent review of our safeguarding arrangements, commissioned in the wake of the allegations, found that our child protection policies fully complied with national guidelines and legislation. Safeguarding, wellbeing and child protection are of paramount importance to SYP.”

Linden is due to be sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff Court on May 5.

SNP leader John Swinney has ordered an independent review of the party’s complaints procedure. The party is facing accusations it failed to deal with complaints about his conduct.

Speaking to STV News, one anonymous victim said Linden’s actions “could have been stopped earlier”, adding victims “weren’t believed”, “were called liars” and “pushed out of politics”. They said: “He was enabled, and I hope in time we find out why.”

A spokesperson said the SNP has undertaken a comprehensive review of its complaints procedures since 2016, but in light of the Linden case Mr Swinney instructed an independent review of the procedures.

Meanwhile, one of Linden’s fellow councillors, Tracy Carragher – the current leader of the SNP group on the council – denied defending him during his trial.

Ms Carragher said: “I welcome the decision reached by the jury. It should send a message that even when victims do not go to the police straightaway, justice can still be done.

“My thoughts are with the victims in this case, and I truly hope that this verdict will bring them some closure. I was called as a witness in Jordan Linden’s trial, and so I gave an honest account of my involvement and my knowledge of events. I did not at any point defend Mr Linden.”

Fellow councillor Fiona Fotheringham also gave evidence during the trial. She has not made a statement.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn told journalists on Friday it is for the councillors who gave evidence to “be clear about what they chose to do and what their views are now”.

The SNP spokesperson added: “Having not been aware of the detail of the trial, a question was put to Stephen Flynn which appeared to suggest councillor Carragher had sought to defend Mr Linden.

“In fact, councillor Carragher was called as a witness in a criminal court case and was required to attend and give her evidence to the best of her knowledge.”