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John Cleese tells St Andrews students to reject Green MSP Q Manivannan over rape 'spectrum' remarks

John Cleese, who has urged St Andrews students to vote against Scottish Greens MSP Q Manivannan over remarks that sought to "understate the appalling psychological effects of rape.
John Cleese, who has urged St Andrews students to vote against Scottish Greens MSP Q Manivannan over remarks that sought to "understate the appalling psychological effects of rape.
Q Manivannan, the Scottish Greens MSP who holds only a graduate visa lasting until 2029, is also running for rector of the University of St Andrews.
Q Manivannan, the Scottish Greens MSP who holds only a graduate visa lasting until 2029, is also running for rector of the University of St Andrews.

John Cleese, a former rector of the University of St Andrews, has publicly urged students to vote against Scottish Greens MSP Q Manivannan in the university's rectorial election. The Monty Python co-founder attacked Manivannan for trying to "understate the appalling psychological effects of rape" after the politician said rape existed on a "spectrum" and had been "demonised" in a podcast last year. Manivannan apologised for any hurt caused but claimed the comments were "maliciously" edited, and is now running for rector alongside five other candidates including Brian Baumgartner, best known for playing Kevin Malone in 'The Office'.

Manivannan, who uses they/them pronouns, has no permanent right to remain in the UK and holds only a graduate visa lasting until 2029.

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser accused Manivannan of ignoring constituents, having failed to hold local surgeries for months after being elected to Holyrood.

Fraser said Manivannan's bid was 'a slap in the face' to constituents and demanded the Green MSP drop the campaign and 'get back to focusing on being an MSP'.

MoreDaily Mail NewsJohn Cleese urges St Andrews students to reject controversial Green MSP Q Manivannan for rector roleBBC News - ScotlandJohn Cleese urges St Andrews students not to elect Q Manivannan as rectorThe HeraldJohn Cleese urges St Andrews students not to vote for Green MSP Q ManivannanThe ScotsmanJohn Cleese urges St Andrews University students not to vote for Q Manivannan as rectorDaily RecordJohn Cleese urges St Andrews students not to vote for Q Manivannan as rector
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