David Linden was born on 14 May 1990 in Glasgow, Scotland.[4] He grew up in Cranhill and Garrowhill,[5] and was educated at Milncroft Primary School, Garrowhill Primary School and then Bannerman High School in Baillieston.[6][7][8] He left school at the age of 16 and undertook an apprenticeship in Business Administration with Glasgow City Council.[9] He worked for Glasgow Credit Union for two years.[10]
At the 2019 general election, Linden was re-elected as MP for Glasgow East with an increased vote share of 47.7% and an increased majority of 5,566.[17][18][19][20]
During his time in Parliament, Linden chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Premature and Sick Babies as well as the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nutrition for Growth.[21]
In November 2020, Linden was reprimanded for using taxpayer's money to send 200 birthday cards to children turning 18, using prepaid envelopes embossed with a Westminster logo. A parliamentary inquiry said he had used them to promote himself and ordered him to pay back £147.34 in postage. Linden admitted he had breached the parliamentary code of conduct.[22]
In November 2021, the defence secretary, Ben Wallace, accused a delegation of MPs, including Linden, of conduct that "put military personnel in a difficult position" after drinking in an airport departure lounge and once in the air during a visit to Gibraltar-based soldiers. They were also accused of being impolite to airport staff. An SNP spokesman denied the allegations, describing them as "false".[23]
In October 2023, Linden was re-selected as the SNP candidate for Glasgow East at the 2024 general election.[24] He was defeated in his bid for re-election, and lost his seat to John Grady of the Labour Party.
Personal life
Linden is the father to two children with his first wife, Roslyn, whom he married in 2012.[25] As of September 2021, Linden is in a relationship with Labour Party MP Cat Smith.[26]
