Scottish Green MSP’s St Andrews rector bid draws scrutiny over public service record
The article argues that Q Manivannan’s election as a Scottish Green MSP and bid to become rector of the University of St Andrews show, in the author’s view, a focus on identity politics over public service. It questions whether voters knowingly chose Manivannan personally, as they were elected through a regional party list rather than a constituency ballot.
The article says Manivannan has not held a constituency surgery since taking office in May, while the Scottish Greens say surgeries for gig workers are being organised and regular ones are expected in the new year. It also reports that Manivannan, who is on a student visa due to expire at the end of 2026, is seeking the St Andrews rector position; the supplied article text ends before explaining the details of that campaign.
- Manivannan was elected as a regional list MSP.
- The article says they have yet to hold a constituency surgery.
- They are also seeking St Andrews rector.
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Scottish Parliament elections use two votes: one for a local constituency MSP and one for a regional party list. List MSPs are elected to represent a region, so they do not each win a constituency contest of their own.
MSPs can hold surgeries where constituents raise problems and seek help. The Scottish Greens say surgeries for gig workers are being organised, with regular sessions expected in the new year. Gig workers often work freelance or on short-term arrangements.
The University of St Andrews elects a rector, a figure who represents students and chairs the university’s governing body. Manivannan is a Scottish Green MSP elected through a regional list, and the supplied account says they are on a student visa due to expire at the end of 2026.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A rector should be able to represent students’ concerns and bring perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked; Manivannan’s candidacy and political background could therefore be relevant strengths. Election through a party list is a legitimate democratic route, and the lack of a constituency surgery so far may reflect the time needed to organise a service suited to gig workers, as the Greens say is under way.
The case against
Public office carries a duty to be accessible and responsive, so voters and constituents may reasonably question the absence of constituency surgeries since Manivannan took office. They may also ask whether a regional-list election gave voters a clear choice about Manivannan personally, and whether the rector bid reflects a sustained record of service to students and the wider public.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “JONATHAN BROCKLEBANK: Q Manivannan treats our democracy as a theatre for performative identity politics… and now St Andrews is next stage”.