The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party have called on the Home Office to investigate whether newly elected Q Manivannan may have breached the terms of his student visa during the Scottish Parliament election campaign.

Manivannan was elected for the Scottish Greens on the Edinburgh and Lothians East regional list.

The issue centres around Home Office rules which state that holders of student visas are generally restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time.

Stephen Kerr said he had written to the Home Secretary arguing that it would be difficult for Manivannan to carry out the role of an MSP without breaching those restrictions.

Kerr also claimed it was likely the limits had already been exceeded during the election campaign itself.

“I’m calling on the Home Office to look into this case, because I can’t see how Q Manivannan can fulfil the duties of an MSP without breaching the strict terms under which a student visa is issued.

“Being an MSP is a demanding, full time job that can’t possibly be carried out effectively by working less than 20 hours per week.

“In fact, it’s almost certain that Q Manivannan has already breached that limit during the course of the election campaign.

“Immigration rules must be applied fairly and equally to all, and they certainly can’t be breached by a lawmaking MSP.

“This is a shambles entirely of the Scottish Greens’ making and they owe an explanation to voters in Edinburgh.

“If they had done any due diligence or candidate vetting, they would have realised the pitfalls of this candidate standing.”

Manivannan previously confirmed he is currently on a student visa which expires later this year and said he is in the process of transitioning onto a Graduate Visa while also applying for a Global Talent Visa.

The Scottish Greens have not yet publicly responded to the latest intervention from the Conservatives.