John Cleese urges St Andrews students to reject Green MSP Q Manivannan for rector

Q Manivannan, a Green MSP who identifies as non-binary, entered the race for St Andrews rector alongside five other candidates, including actor Brian Baumgartner. Manivannan's campaign platform includes better bus services, affordable student housing, more activities and the end of insecure staff contracts. Their earlier statements describing rape as existing on a "spectrum" and questioning typical rapist stereotypes sparked backlash from the Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance.

Former rector John Cleese used social media to urge students to reject Manivannan, saying the comments undermine the severe psychological effects of rape. Manivannan has since apologized, claiming their remarks were taken out of context and reaffirming support for survivors. The dispute adds a contentious dimension to the university's rector election, which also follows a recent court dispute involving current rector Stella Maris.