Ex-SNP council leader Jordan Linden charged over alleged sex offences

A former SNP council leader has been charged in connection with alleged sex offences.

Jordan Linden, 28, has previously told reporters he did not accept the allegations which had been made against him.

His arrest came following a police probe that was launched last year.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said on Thursday: "A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a number of non-recent sexual offences committed at various locations in Scotland.

"A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

Mr Linden, the ex-leader of North Lanarkshire Council, stepped down from the role in July 2022, which led to the collapse of the SNP administration in the area and allowed Scottish Labour to regain control.

He then quit the council and the SNP in March 2023.

In the wake of his resignation, eight SNP councillors quit the party and formed their own group, Progressive Change North Lanarkshire.

A spokesperson for the SNP said: "While we cannot comment on live proceedings, if any SNP members are impacted by this then we want to make clear that we are here to support them as best we can."