Green MSP loses St Andrews rector election after rape comments row

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 22:44 · Archive

Green MSP Q Manivannan came third in the University of St Andrews rectorial election after controversy over comments about rape.

Green MSP Q Manivannan has lost a bid to become rector of the University of St Andrews, finishing third out of six candidates with 1,243 votes. The Edinburgh and Lothians East MSP faced significant controversy over the summer when old remarks resurfaced in which they spoke about the 'demonisation of rape' and claimed that rape existed on a 'spectrum'.

Monty Python co-founder John Cleese, himself a former rector of the Scottish institution, publicly urged students not to vote for Manivannan, accusing the politician of attempting to 'understate the appalling psychological effects of rape'. Manivannan apologised for any hurt caused by the remarks, which were made in a podcast, but maintained that their comments had been 'maliciously' edited.

Arthur Bernhoff, a St Andrews graduate who works as an analyst at the Ministry of Defence, was elected rector with 3,135 votes. Actor Brian Baumgartner, best known for playing Kevin Malone in the US version of The Office, came second with 1,553 votes. The rector serves as president of the University Court for three years, representing student interests in the university's governance.

The election achieved record participation, with turnout at just under 45 per cent, almost double the turnout in the previous rectorial election in 2023. The university described this as the 'biggest response' to a rector's election 'in recent history'.

How it is being reported

• 'Queer migrant' Green politician fails in bid to become rector of historic university"Queer migrant" Green politician Q Manivannan has failed in a bid to become rector of the University of St Andrews. The Edinburgh and Lothians East MSP, who lives in Britain on a graduate student visa, came a distant third out of six candidates, receiving just 1,243 votes. The rector is one of the most distinctive and historic roles at the Scottish university. They serve as president of the University Court for three years, representing the interests of students at the highest level of the St Andrew's governance. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Actor Brian Baumgartner, who is most known for…GB News · 17 Oct, 22:28
• Green MSP Q Manivannan loses bid to become St Andrews rectorArthur Bernhoff has been elected to the position.Evening Standard · 17 Oct, 09:53

In this story: Q Manivannan · Arthur Bernhoff · John Cleese · Brian Baumgartner · University of St Andrews

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