Kamal Ghorui
An Indian-origin transgender politician, Q Manivannan, has been elected to the Scottish Parliament despite not holding permanent residency or British citizenship in the UK, a development that has sparked debate and online backlash in Britain.Representing the Scottish Green Party, Manivannan won a seat from the Edinburgh and Lothians East regional list in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, becoming one of the first openly transgender people elected to Holyrood.
Tamil Nadu-born scholar moved to Scotland in 2021
Originally from Tamil Nadu, Manivannan studied liberal arts and humanities at OP Jindal Global University in Delhi before pursuing an MPhil in international peace studies at Trinity College Dublin.In 2021, they moved to Scotland to pursue an ESRC-funded doctorate in international relations at University of St Andrews.Manivannan describes themselves as a “queer Tamil immigrant” and identifies as non-binary, using they/them pronouns. Apart from politics, they are also known as an anthropologist and poet.
‘I am a transgender Tamil immigrant’: Victory speech draws attention
Speaking after the election result, Manivannan told supporters: “My name is Dr Q Manivannan, I am a transgender Tamil immigrant… I am to some in this country everything that the hateful despise, and I am standing here as your MSP now with care.”They added that “a politics of care expands what is possible for everyone left behind, pushed out or never invited in.”
Does not hold British citizenship or permanent residency
One of the biggest talking points around Manivannan’s election is that they do not hold British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain in the UK.According to reports, Manivannan was eligible to contest because they are a Commonwealth citizen with a valid visa. The rules were changed by the Scottish National Party government in 2025, allowing individuals with any form of legal immigration status to stand for election.Earlier, candidates were required to have indefinite leave to remain or permanent residency status.Reports also said Manivannan had previously sought financial assistance of around £2,089 for a graduate visa application that would allow them to continue living and working in Britain for a limited period.A spokesperson for the Scottish Greens defended Manivannan, saying they are “on a valid visa with the right to work and live in Scotland,” while criticising the UK immigration system as “hostile and needlessly expensive.”
Social media backlash and political criticism
Manivannan’s election sparked backlash online, with critics questioning whether foreign nationals without permanent residency should be allowed to contest British elections.Among those criticising the development was Rupert Lowe, who argued that only British citizens should be allowed to stand for office.“Foreign nationals should not be permitted to stand for election,” Lowe said in a social media post, adding: “British elections for British people.”The Telegraph also reported scrutiny over some of Manivannan’s past social media posts relating to international political issues.The Scottish Greens responded by saying the comments had been taken out of context and reiterated the party’s opposition to violence and support for peace.
Scottish Greens register strong performance
The Scottish Greens secured a record number of seats in the election, with several candidates coming from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds.Manivannan’s victory is being seen as a landmark moment in Scottish politics, marking one of the rare instances of a non-permanent UK resident being elected to public office in Britain.
