SNP sacks North Lanarkshire group leader

The SNP has sacked its group leader on North Lanarkshire Council as a candidate over her handling of allegations made against Jordan Linden.

Tracy Carragher was on the SNP regional list for Central Scotland and Lothians West, but on Wednesday she was removed from both positions and her membership suspended, the party said.

Ms Carragher was called as a witness during the trial of Jordan Linden – the former North Lanarkshire Council leader who last week was convicted of 10 offences, including five sexual assaults.

Recordings later released of Ms Carragher during a group meeting around the time allegations against Linden were made added further pressure for her to be sacked. 

A statement from an SNP spokesperson said: “In light of ongoing allegations regarding the handling of matters within the North Lanarkshire Council SNP group in relation to Jordan Linden, the national secretary has suspended councillor Carragher pending an investigation.

“This means she will no longer be an SNP candidate in the forthcoming elections or leader of the SNP Group on the council.

“We take this issue seriously and the voices of complainants must always be heard.”

The decision comes after sustained pressure on the party to sack Ms Carragher, or for her to stand down.

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