While calls continue for a further probe to be held into how the former SNP chief executive was able to embezzle the cash, Mr Doogan claimed an investigation by the Scottish Affairs Committee would be “blatantly partisan”.
Conservative shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie is among those who want to see the Westminster committee – made up largely of Scottish MPs – hold an inquiry.
It comes as Scottish First Minister John Swinney continues to reject calls for a Holyrood committee to consider the matter – with the SNP leader insisting that after a lengthy police investigation there is no need for further action.
Mr Bowie has argued that “given the gravity of the misconduct” involved and the “seniority” of Murrell’s role as SNP chief executive at the time, there are “unanswered questions surrounding governance and oversight”.
Mr Doogan, who sits on the Scottish Affairs Committee, dismissed such calls.
The SNP MP said: “If this inquiry goes ahead as suggested, it would be an unprecedented abuse of the House of Commons committee system – and a complete waste of taxpayers’ money.”
He added: “The SNP will call this party political stunt out for exactly what it is – a desperate attempt by Labour Party and Tory MPs to weaponise a taxpayer-funded Westminster committee to take pot shots at their political opponents.”
Mr Doogan argued that if such a “blatantly partisan inquiry were to take place, it would also create a dangerous precedent for investigating rival political parties” – warning that Reform UK’s Nigel Farage could seek to “ruthlessly exploit” if he ends up in government.
Peter Murrell is currently in custody awaiting sentencing later this month. (PA/PA Wire)
The SNP Westminster leader argued that “wiser heads in the House of Commons must surely see this for what it is”.
He insisted: “The police have already spent five years and more than £2 million investigating Peter Murrell’s embezzlement crimes against the SNP.
“When John Swinney became SNP leader, he fundamentally reformed the way the party works and ensured a full governance review and stringent financial accountability measures within the party.”
Mr Doogan continued: “The election in May shows that the public want their politicians to focus on the issues that really matter to voters like the cost of living and the NHS – not party political stunts.
“The SNP is doing just that, with new support for first-time buyers, a massive childcare expansion and more progress in bringing down NHS waiting lists.”
His comments came after chairwoman Patricia Ferguson confirmed the committee will consider whether it will hold such an investigation.
Scottish Conservative MP Andrew Bowie wants MPs on the committee to carry out a probe. (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Speaking last month, she said: “We are aware of calls for the Scottish Affairs Committee to undertake work in respect of the recent developments relating to the SNP party’s finance.
“The committee will consider this issue in due course.”
It is expected the issue will come up when the committee meets on Tuesday.
But speaking ahead of that meeting, Mr Bowie hit out at the “desperate, hysterical nonsense from Dave Doogan”.
The Tory said the SNP were “acting out of self-interest in seeking to block a much-needed inquiry into the systemic failings that allowed Peter Murrell to get away with stealing huge sums of money for years on end”.
Mr Bowie said: “There are so many unanswered questions about this scandal – including whether taxpayers’ money was stolen – and, with sleekit Swinney refusing to grant a Holyrood inquiry, it’s incumbent on MPs to get to the bottom of it.”
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said Mr Doogan should ‘stand up to John Swinney on this important issue’ (Euan Cherry/PA)
PA Wire
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “Dave Doogan should show some backbone and stand up to John Swinney on this important issue rather than falling into line and allowing the cover-up culture to continue.”
She said: “It is for the SNP to answer why they are so scared of scrutiny and so desperate to stop the public from knowing the truth about the murky culture of cover-up and secrecy that is deep at the heart of their party.
“The more the SNP protest, the more people will think they have something to hide.”
