Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

Who is Q Manivannan? Tamil Nadu-born trans immigrant without permanent UK residency elected to Scottish Parliament

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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.