Q Manivannan loses St Andrews rector race after rape comments controversy

Green MSP Q Manivannan has lost the race to become rector of the University of St Andrews after facing criticism over remarks about rape and sexual violence, with graduate Arthur Bernhoff elected to the post.

Manivannan, who represents Edinburgh and Lothians East in the Scottish Parliament, finished third in a six-candidate contest. Actor Brian Baumgartner, best known for playing Kevin Malone in the US version of The Office, came second.

Bernhoff, a St Andrews graduate who lives locally, secured the highest number of votes. He works in an analytical role at the Ministry of Defence and also serves as a deployable civilian expert for the Foreign Office.

The university said the election drew its biggest response in recent history, with turnout just under 45% — almost twice the participation recorded in the previous rectorial election in 2023.

Rape remarks trigger backlash

Manivannan's campaign faced scrutiny after comments they made in a podcast last year resurfaced over the summer. The MSP spoke of the “demonisation of rape” and described rape as existing on a “spectrum”, prompting criticism from campaigners and public figures.

The Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance accused Manivannan of seeking to minimise sexual violence. The remarks also drew criticism from John Cleese, co-founder of Monty Python and a former rector of St Andrews, who urged students not to vote for the MSP.

In a post on social media on October 13, Cleese accused Manivannan of trying to understate the severe psychological effects of rape.

During the podcast, Manivannan discussed different forms of consent and rape, arguing that the term covered a range of experiences. They also challenged the stereotype that rapists are necessarily large, physically imposing men, saying that any individual could commit rape.

Manivannan apologises for language

Manivannan apologised for the hurt caused by the remarks but argued that excerpts from the interview had been selectively edited and circulated without the full context.

“I am horrified that my comments were selectively edited in order to mislead people and misrepresent me, but I also accept that my language was abstract in the first place and for that I take full responsibility and am sorry,” they said.

The MSP maintained that they had made clear during the interview that rape was equally serious and harmful in every context. They also said their comments about perpetrators were intended to challenge stereotypes and highlight that victims may know the people who assault them.

Acknowledging the upset caused by the clips, Manivannan said they would continue to stand with victims and survivors of sexual violence.

From international relations doctorate to Holyrood

Manivannan, an anthropologist and poet who describes themselves as a queer Tamil immigrant, completed a doctorate in international relations at the University of St Andrews earlier this year.

They are non-binary and among the first two openly trans members of the Scottish Parliament, alongside fellow Green MSP Iris Duane.

Originally from India, Manivannan was elected to Holyrood while on a student visa and recently announced that they had been granted a graduate visa valid until 2029. They have said they intend to apply for a global talent visa after that period.

The rector of St Andrews represents students and serves as a link between the student body and the university's leadership. Bernhoff's election concludes a closely watched contest that attracted unusually high participation from students.