Outrage as new trans Green MSP branded Queen Elizabeth a ‘lizard’ | Politics | News
A newly elected transgender Scottish Green MSP is Queen Elizabeth II. A social media post referring to Elizabeth as a “lizard” has sparked a political storm after it resurfaced. Iris Duane, a biological male who identifies as female, was elected to represent the Glasgow area on Friday.
Reviews are piling up on a January 2022 post: “Can’t wait for Lizzie the big lizard to kick the bucket, not because she’s dead but because of the absolute meltdown it will cause to British consciousness.”
The post appeared shortly after Duane’s election victory and triggered a political backlash across party lines. Opponents accused the Greens of putting forward a candidate who showed “extremely offensive and disrespectful” judgment.
Originally from Bradford, Duane is one of the Greens’ newest MSPs and has previously been involved in controversial campaigns on transgender rights. This includes opposing restrictions on gender self-identification in public facilities and committing to challenge existing rules on single-sex spaces.
The Scottish Greens defended the MSP, insisting the comments were made “many years ago” and before the Queen’s death in September 2022. A party spokesperson said the post was “meant as a joke” and confirmed it has since been deleted.
However, critics rejected this explanation as inadequate.
Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser condemned the remarks, saying: “His Royal Highness devoted his life to public service and was admired for doing so in Scotland and around the world.”
Mr Fraser continued: “These disgraceful comments from the newly elected Green MSP are extremely offensive and disrespectful. Most Scots will find them disgusting.”
He also demanded clarity from the Scottish Greens, questioning whether the party “absolutely” condemned the remarks.
Reform UK also attacked the post, calling it “appalling” and “deeply disrespectful” and calling on both Duane and the party leadership to issue a full apology.
A spokesman said: “Wishing His late Majesty death, especially at a time when his health was failing, is beyond the bounds of decency and is an extremely poor decision. Duane should make a full apology for putting the Scottish Greens candidate first.”
Despite the controversy, Duane addressed his supporters after winning the election, focusing on representation rather than backlash, saying: “I know some will focus on the fact that I was the first black MSP and one of the first openly trans MSPs, but that’s not what this election was about.”
The debate comes at a time of wider change in the Scottish Greens’ representation in parliament; MSP new fellow Q Manivannan was also elected to the Edinburgh and Lothians East seats on Friday.
Q Manivannan, who is transgender herself, told supporters: “I am to some in this country everything that hateful people despise, and now I stand here diligently as your MSP.”
The Greens have not indicated whether any disciplinary action will be taken over Duane’s comments, while opposition parties continue to press for a formal apology and clarification of the party’s position.
Express.co.uk has contacted the Scottish Greens for further comment.
