Green MSP Q Manivannan loses bid to become St Andrews rector

Green MSP Dr Q Manivannan has lost in their bid to become the new rector of the University of St Andrews.

Dr Arthur Bernhoff, a St Andrews graduate who lives locally, has been elected the university’s 56th rector after students turned out in record numbers.

The university recorded its biggest response to a rector’s election in recent history, with turnout just below 45% – almost double the turnout in the last election in 2023.

Brian Baumgartner, best known for his role as Kevin in the US Office, came second.

Baumgartner visited St Andrews in the summer and fell in love with the town’s culture and history and promised to “bring his humour and love for St Andrews” to the role if elected.

Manivannan’s bid for the position had come up against backlash from Monty Python co-founder John Cleese, a former rector of the Scottish institution, who urged students not to vote for the Edinburgh and Lothians East MSP, accusing the politician of trying to “understate the appalling psychological effects of rape”.

The Edinburgh and Lothians East MSP apologised for any hurt caused by the remarks made in a podcast last year, but said their comments had been “maliciously” edited.

Manivannan, from India, recently announced that they had been awarded a graduate visa, having been elected to the Scottish Parliament on a student visa.

They completed their doctorate in international relations at the University of St Andrews earlier this year.

Dr Bernoff currently holds an analytical role with the Ministry of Defence and remains a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) deployable civilian expert.

Dr Bernhoff said: “I am honoured and humbled by the level of support that I received during the campaign and the election from all the different parts of the student body.

“Over the past few weeks, and particularly in the last few days, students have very generously talked to me about their experiences, and shared their perspectives. As a proud alumni, it has been a great pleasure and a privilege to reconnect with the University where I have spent some of the most formative years of my life.  

“I look forward to working with the student body, Students’ Association, University staff, and members of the Court to help make the University even stronger, where students from all backgrounds, and of all characteristics can thrive and build strong foundations for lives beyond their time in higher education.  

“I intend to be a proactive rector, accessible to all students of our vastly diverse student body. I am committed to my campaign promise of representing the views of all St Andrews students as a neutral, unbiased advocate of their concerns. I promise to be present, listening, and effective.”