FMQs: Humza Yousaf says claims minister Jenny Gilruth broke ministerial code with ScotRail delays decision will be investigated

But the First Minister defended Ms Gilruth and said her decision was taken for the ‘correct reasons’

Humza Yousaf has said he will investigate claims a senior SNP minister broke the ministerial code by delaying rail works in order to benefit her constituents.

The Scottish Conservatives accused Jenny Gilruth, who was then transport minister but is now the education secretary, of a “clear-cut, sackable offence”.

But the First Minister said the party was simply throwing “as much mud as possible” in the hope that some of it would stick, and defended Ms Gilruth.

Education secretary Jenny Gilruth, seen with Humza Yousaf, has been quizzed about decisions made while transport secretary. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA

He told journalists: “From information I have in front of me, it does not look like there has been a breach. I can see perfectly legitimate reasons why Jenny Gilruth made the decisions she made at the time.”

The row centres on proposed line electrification work between Edinburgh Haymarket and Dalmeny in West Lothian, which would have caused eight days of disruption across Fife and central Scotland from Boxing Day last year.

In a story first reported by The Scotsman, Ms Gilruth, who is the MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, asked for the works to be postponed.