Indian-origin transgender elected to Scottish Parliament, sparks eligibility debate

An Indian-origin transgender politician and academic, Q Manivannan, has been reportedly elected to the Scottish Parliament despite not holding British citizenship or permanent residency, triggering political debate and online criticism in the United Kingdom.

As per ‘The Telegraph’, standing for 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 members of Holyrood.

Originally from Tamil Nadu, India, Manivannan studied liberal arts and humanities at OP Jindal Global University in Delhi before completing 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 the University of St Andrews.

Identifying as non-binary and using they/them pronouns, Manivannan describes themselves as a “queer Tamil immigrant” and is also known for work as an anthropologist and poet.

‘A politics of care’

In their victory speech, Manivannan reportedly said: “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.”

Eligibility questions spark debate

As per reports, the election has sparked scrutiny because Manivannan does not hold British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Reports indicate they were eligible to stand as a Commonwealth citizen with a valid visa.

The eligibility rules were reportedly changed in 2025 under the devolved Scottish government, allowing individuals with legal immigration status to contest elections. Previously, candidates were required to hold permanent residency or indefinite leave to remain.

Manivannan is also reported to have previously sought financial support of around £2,089 for a graduate visa application, enabling them to continue living and working in the UK for a limited period.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Greens defended the candidate, stating that Manivannan is “on a valid visa with the right to work and live in Scotland,” while criticising what they described as the UK’s “hostile and needlessly expensive” immigration system.

Political backlash

The election result has prompted backlash on social media, with some critics arguing that only British citizens should be allowed to stand for public office.

Among those raising objections was politician Rupert Lowe, who reportedly said: “Foreign nationals should not be permitted to stand for election,” adding: “British elections for British people.”

Manivannan has also faced scrutiny over past social media posts relating to international political issues, though the Scottish Greens said these comments had been misrepresented and reiterated the party’s commitment to peace and opposition to violence.