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British MP Calls for Ban on Foreign Nationals in UK Elections After Indian-Born Candidate Elected to Scottish Parliament
Published: May 10, 2026
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British MP Rupert Lowe has called for a ban on foreign nationals contesting elections in the United Kingdom after Q Manivannan, an Indian-born politician without permanent residency, was elected to the Scottish Parliament. Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth and a member of Restore Britain, made the remarks in a post on X following the recent local elections.
Manivannan, a non-binary candidate representing the Scottish Green Party, secured a seat on the Edinburgh & Lothians East regional list despite holding only temporary immigration status in the UK. They are reported to be the first person elected to Holyrood without indefinite leave to remain, having entered the country on a graduate visa and reportedly seeking financial support to extend it.
The eligibility of temporary residents to stand for Scottish Parliament elections was enabled by a rule change implemented by the Scottish government last year, which removed the prior requirement for candidates to have indefinite leave to remain or permanent status. The move has sparked political debate, with Lowe stating, 'An Indian was elected to the Scottish Parliament, even without a permanent visa to stay in the UK. This is wrong - they should not be allowed to stand.'
Manivannan, an anthropologist and poet from Tamil Nadu, has publicly identified as a 'queer Tamil immigrant' and focused their campaign on social justice, identity, and environmental issues. The Scottish Green Party has not issued a formal response to Lowe's remarks.
No legislative action has been announced in Westminster regarding eligibility rules for UK elections. The Scottish Parliament is expected to convene with newly elected members next week.