ARTFUL DODGER

Jason Leitch helped to flout lockdown infection control rules

- PAUL HUTCHEON

HUMZA Yousaf was advised on dodging face mask rules by Government health chief Jason Leitch during the pandemic.

National Clinical Director Leitch, who appeared on regular TV Corona briefings, told Yousaf he would not have to wear a mask at a dinner during lockdown if he held a drink when standing up.

The revelation came at the UK Covid Inquiry in Edinburgh yesterday, where Leitch also admitted he routinely deleted WhatsApp messages with politicians and top officials.

First Minister Yousaf, who was health minister during the pandemic, last night faced calls to sack Leitch over the revelations at the UK Covid Inquiry in Edinburgh.

Leitch, a key figure in the Covid response, was hailed for his communication skills during the crisis.

Covid Inquiry KC Jamie Dawson grilled him on messages between himself and the future First Minister with a "work around" on mask rules.

In messages read out at the Inquiry from November 2021 when Covid cases were on the rise, Yousaf asked for face mask advice in relation to a dinner he was attending.