Exclusive:SNP MP's son appointed as senior advisor to party's Westminster group

Fergus Doogan, son of Angus and Perthshire Glens MP Dave Doogan, has taken over the role from Ruairidh MacKenzie.

Dave Doogan has been hotly-tipped to be the next SNP Westminster leader.

It is expected that there will be a vacancy this summer because current London leader Stephen Flynn is standing for Holyrood.

If elected, Mr Flynn will have to stand down as MP for Aberdeen South - leaving the door open for Dave Doogan to become the party’s London leader.

Mr MacKenzie, a key ally of Mr Flynn, was recently made the party’s head of communications and research in Holyrood.

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Fergus Doogan had previously been a senior policy adviser and a researcher in the House of Commons.

Dave Doogan was elected as an MP in 2019 and is an ally of Mr Flynn.

He has caught the eye of many observers over the past year due to his enthusiasm and strong debating nature in the House of Commons.

The 52-year-old is the SNP’s defence and economy spokesperson in the House of Commons.

He also took over from Mr Flynn as the SNP’s representative on the Commons’ Scottish Affairs Committee in June.

Mr Doogan said in November that he would be “putting my name forward” to lead the group of SNP MPs if Mr Flynn is elected to Holyrood in May.

Mr MacKenzie takes over as SNP head of communications and research from Fraser MacDonald.

Mr MacDonald had served in the role since 2023.

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Mr MacKenzie said last week: “I’m excited to lead the SNP Central Office at Holyrood into the 2026 election at a crucial time for Scotland.

“A vote for the SNP is a vote for a fresh start with independence - and I look forward to working with colleagues to returning a SNP Government to Holyrood in 2026.”

Mr MacDonald said last week: “It’s been an immense privilege to serve as Head of Communications of the SNP for the last two and a half years. At the end of this week, I will pass that baton on to pursue a better work-life balance outside of politics.

“Under the leadership of John Swinney, and with the appointment of Ruairidh MacKenzie, the SNP is in a formidable position to win the 2026 election - to continue its valuable work of delivering for Scotland in Government and, crucially, to deliver independence for Scotland.”

Emma Harper MSP, Convener of the SNP Group in Holyrood, said last week: “I am delighted to confirm Ruairidh MacKenzie’s appointment as Head of Communications and Research for the SNP in Holyrood, who will play a key role in the upcoming Holyrood election.

“The SNP is in a formidable position to continue its work to deliver for Scotland - investing in new GP walk-in clinics and delivering record hip and knee operations, with NHS waiting times falling for the sixth consecutive month under John Swinney’s leadership.

“I’d like to thank Fraser MacDonald for his service to the SNP in Holyrood and at Westminster and wish him all the best for the future.”

The SNP was approached for comment.

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