Exclusive:Tory Shadow Scots Secretary backs calls for Westminster SNP embezzlement probe

Andrew Bowie has written to the chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee requesting an probe after John Swinney refused to countenance one at Holyrood.

It comes after four members of the committee have said they would back an investigation.

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Bowie said: “John Swinney’s refusal to sanction a Holyrood inquiry into this scandal means it falls to Westminster to examine the failings in financial governance that allowed Peter Murrell to steal from SNP accounts for years.

“I have written to the chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee requesting a probe because there were clearly systemic failings that Murrell exploited. These need to be identified and addressed so that lessons are learned – not just by the SNP but by all political parties.

“It’s strange and sinister that Swinney is opposed to an inquiry. If, as he says, the SNP is the victim in this, then surely he’d want to know exactly how and why the party was fleeced by Murrell?

“A cynic might think he has something to hide, given he and Nicola Sturgeon sought to silence internal whistleblowers who first raised concerns about the state of the party’s finances.

“But SNP donors deserve answers – and so do taxpayers, as it appears public money was in the pot that Murrell stole from to feather the marital nest he shared with Sturgeon.”

SNP First Minister Mr Swinney rejected calls for a Holyrood inquiry again on Thursday at FMQs.

The pressure has ramped up after two more Scottish Affairs Committee members said they would like a probe - if Holyrood refuses to hold one.

Lib Dems Susan Murray and Angus MacDonald have joined Conservative Harriet Cross and Labour’s Douglas McAllister in backing an investigation.

It means that four of the 11 members now publicly support an inquiry.

But it cannot be confirmed whether the committee will hold one until the House of Commons returns from recess next week.

The Scottish Affairs Committee is supposed to scrutinise the work of the UK Government.

But it has been suggested - by Labour MP Mr McAllister - that an inquiry into the SNP could take place because the party has received public funds.