John Cleese urges St Andrews students to reject controversial Green MSP Q Manivannan for rector role

Former St Andrews University rector John Cleese has slapped down a controversial Greens MSP’s bid for the role. The Monty Python star accused self-confessed ‘queer Tamil immigrant’ Q Manivannan of trying to ‘understate the appalling psychological effects of rape’. His comments followed the rookie Parliamentarian’s suggestion rape was a ‘spectrum of things’ and had been ‘demonised’ during a podcast last year. Indian-born Manivannan, who has no permanent right to stay in the UK, is also accused of ignoring his voters having failed to hold surgeries for the first months of their tenure as the MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East. Writing on social media, Mr Cleese urged students at the Fife university not to back Manivannan. He said: ‘As a former rector of St Andrews University I respectfully urge its students not to support someone who tries to understate the appalling psychological effects of rape.’ Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Murdo Fraser, said Manivannan would do well to remember voters rather than look for roles outwith the constituency. He added: ‘This decision is a slap in the face to the constituents of this Scottish Greens MSP. ‘Since being elected Q Manivannan seems to have forgotten to hold local surgeries and raise the issues that matter to the people who elected him, but has time to be the rector of a university outwith his region. John Cleese urged students at the Fife university not to back Manivannan Q Manivannan has faced no shortage of controversy since becoming an MSP ‘With his colleague Maggie Chapman already in a similar position, the last thing we need is another extremist Green in a prominent position at another one of Scotland’s universities. ‘Q Manivannan should ditch this campaign and get back to focusing on being an MSP, which should be seen as an honour, not something to be done half-heartedly .’ In August, a surprised constituent was told by Manivannan’s sheepish staff: ‘Q is currently in the process of establishing their permanent staff so at present we are unable to hold surgeries although we do hope to have some later in the year.’ After the rape comments were made public earlier this year, the MSP who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, insisted the podcast had been ‘selectively edited’ but said ‘sorry’ for the impact of the words. Other candidates for the rector’s position include The Office actor Brian Baumgartner, Ministry of Defence analyst Dr Arthur Bernhoff and a student doctor, Dr Edison Yau. Manivannan said on social media: ‘For our wee bubble, I’m running to be the University of St Andrews’ new Rector. Alongside the space I occupy as an MSP, I will bring a chance for our wee town to grow and thrive while rectifying the many injustices being permitted in our name (including to our current rector Stella Maris).’ Ms Maris, who is not running, has been involved in a dispute with the institution after she was removed from the university court over comments she made on the Israel-Gaza war, although she won an appeal nine months later. The Scottish Greens have been contacted for comment.