Cleese opposes Green MSP Manivannan’s bid to become St Andrews rector
John Cleese has urged University of St Andrews students not to support Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan’s campaign to become rector, citing Manivannan’s past remarks about rape. The contest has also drawn criticism over whether Manivannan has given enough attention to constituents in their Edinburgh and Lothians East seat.
Cleese, a former rector, said Manivannan’s comments risked understating rape’s psychological effects. Manivannan later apologised for the impact of remarks describing rape as a “spectrum of things”, while saying the podcast had been selectively edited. Their staff said in August that constituency surgeries could not yet be held as permanent staff were being established; other rector candidates include actor Brian Baumgartner, analyst Arthur Bernhoff and student doctor Edison Yau.
- John Cleese opposes Q Manivannan’s rector campaign.
- Manivannan faced criticism over past rape comments.
- Constituency surgeries had not yet begun in August.
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The rector is an elected figure at the University of St Andrews, chosen by students to represent their interests and help hold the university to account. The role is separate from running the university day to day, and the rector chairs meetings of its governing body.
Q Manivannan is a Scottish Green MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East. John Cleese, the comedian and actor, previously served as St Andrews rector. Manivannan’s campaign has prompted discussion about past comments on rape and their work for constituents; several other candidates are also seeking the role.
The contest brings together questions about student representation, public conduct and the responsibilities of elected officials. Its outcome will decide who holds the rector’s role for the next term.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Cleese’s critics could argue that a rector should show sound judgement and sensitivity on sexual violence, and that students are entitled to weigh Manivannan’s past remarks and apology when choosing a representative. Questions about constituency surgeries may also reasonably prompt scrutiny of how candidates balance public responsibilities. The rector role carries a duty to represent students, so voters may treat these concerns as relevant to the campaign.
The case against
Manivannan’s supporters could argue that the remarks were selectively edited, that Manivannan apologised for their impact, and that a candidate should be judged in context rather than by a disputed excerpt alone. They may also point out that staff said surgeries were delayed while permanent staff were being established, not that constituents would be ignored. On this view, students should assess Manivannan’s full record and platform, rather than accept Cleese’s appeal as decisive.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “John Cleese urges St Andrews students to reject controversial Green MSP Q Manivannan for rector role”.