Students voting for a new rector of St Andrews University received a warning from John Cleese, who formerly held the figurehead role, this week
Students at St Andrews University will today begin to vote for a new rector in a contest which has been dipped in controversy following an intervention by Monty Python star John Cleese.
Cleese, a former rector of the ancient institution, this week called for students not to give their vote to candidate Q Manivannan, a Scottish Greens MSP who attended the university.
Q Manivannan is one of six candidates standing to replace Stella Maris, with comedy actor Brian Baumgartner, who is a star of The Office in the US and a big fan of golf, among those in the running.
But earlier controversial comments made by Q Manivannan on rape re-emerged when Cleese urged students not to back the MSP in light of his remarks.
In a podcast, Q Manivannan talked about the "demonisation of rape", adding that the crime existed on a "spectrum.”
Manivannan, who was elected to Holyrood earlier this year, has already apologised, but said their comments had been “maliciously” edited.
Cleese took to social media to post: "As a former rector of St Andrews University I respectfully urge its students not to support someone who tries to understate the appalling psychological effects of rape."
Q Manivannan said they were a "a proud St Andrews alumnus" and said students deserve "safe and affordable housing, more artistic spaces, and the opportunity to express their anger at the state of the world, without fear of risk of isolation.”
The East Lothian politician completed their doctorate in international relations at the university earlier this year.
They also spoke in support of Stella Maris, the controversial outgoing rector who is not on the ballot.
Maris was removed from the university court in 2024 after comments she made on the Israel-Gaza war, but won her appeal.
A second dismissal followed in January 2026 after she opposed planned changes to the institution’s governing body, and was re-instated after changing her stance. Q Manivannan said she had been “mistreated.”
Students have a total of six candidates to choose from. Also standing are Dr Arthur Bernhoff, St Andrews alumnus and international affairs specialist; Mark Brunner, business leader and guest lecturer; Dr Conor Philip, recently graduated doctor; and fellow medical graduate Edison Yau.
Online voting opens on today and runs until 5:00pm tomorrow (Friday) when the winner will be announced.
The highest profile candidate is comedy actor Baumgartner, who pledged to “continue the storied tradition of comics and performers serving as rector", and “bring his humour and love for St Andrews to the role".
In pictures on his social media account, where Baumgartner - who played Kevin Malone in the hit series - was seen playing a round of golf at the Old Course, he commented: "Scotland, you have captured my heart."