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Scottish Greens Urge Visa-Holder's Withdrawal, Still Secure MSP Seat

5/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In July 2025 the Scottish Greens asked NUS Scotland president Sai Shraddha Suresh Viswanathan to withdraw because her visa might limit her term.
The party nonetheless fielded another student-visa holder, Q Manivannan, who won an MSP seat for Edinburgh and Lothians East on May 7.
A Greens spokesperson said no candidate was blocked over visa status and noted that MSP Stephen Kerr accused the party of double standards after Greens secured 15 MSPs.

History

Historical Context

Since Robin Harper became the UK’s first elected Green MSP in the 1999 Scottish Parliament election, the Scottish Greens have grown from a single regional seat to a record fifteen MSPs after winning their first constituency seats in 2026, including Q Manivannan in Edinburgh and Lothians East. The party’s 2021 power-sharing deal with the SNP set a precedent for immigrant-candidate debates seen today.

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Story summary

In July 2025 the Scottish Greens asked NUS Scotland president Sai Shraddha Suresh Viswanathan to withdraw because her visa might limit her term.
The party nonetheless fielded another student-visa holder, Q Manivannan, who won an MSP seat for Edinburgh and Lothians East on May 7.
A Greens spokesperson said no candidate was blocked over visa status and noted that MSP Stephen Kerr accused the party of double standards after Greens secured 15 MSPs.

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