A newly elected transgender Scottish Green MSP has sparked a political firestorm after a social media post resurfaced in which they referred to Queen Elizabeth II as a “lizard”. Iris Duane, a biological male who identifies as a woman, was elected on Friday to represent the Glasgow region.
Scrutiny is mounting over a post dated January 2022, which read: “I cannot wait till big lizard Lizzie kicks the bucket, not because she’s dead but because of the absolute meltdown it will cause the British consciousness.”
The post emerged shortly after Duane’s election victory and has triggered a political backlash across party lines. Opponents have accused the Greens of fielding a candidate who has shown “deeply offensive and disrespectful” judgment.
Originally from Bradford, Duane is one of the Greens’ newest MSPs and has previously been involved in controversial campaigning on transgender rights. This includes opposition to restrictions on gender self-identification in public facilities and pledges to challenge existing rules regarding single-sex spaces.
The Scottish Greens defended the MSP, insisting the comments were made “years ago” and prior to the Queen’s death in September 2022. A party spokesman said the post was “intended as a joke” and confirmed it had since been deleted.
However, critics have dismissed that explanation as inadequate.
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser condemned the remarks, saying: “Her late Majesty devoted her life to public service and was admired in Scotland and around the world for doing so.”
Mr Fraser continued: “These disgraceful comments from this newly elected Green MSP are deeply offensive and disrespectful. Most Scots will find them abhorrent.”
He also demanded clarity from the Scottish Greens, questioning whether the party condemns the remarks “unequivocally”.
Reform UK also attacked the post, describing it as “appalling” and “deeply disrespectful,” and called on both Duane and the party leadership to issue a full apology.
A spokesperson said: “Wishing death upon Her late Majesty, especially during a period of declining health, is beyond the bounds of decency and reflects extremely poor judgment. Duane should issue a full apology, as should the Scottish Greens for fronting the candidate.”
Despite the controversy, Duane addressed supporters after winning election, focusing on representation rather than the backlash, saying: “I know that some will focus on the fact that I am the first black MSP and one of the first openly trans MSPs, but that’s not what this election was about.”
The controversy comes amid a broader shift in the Scottish Greens’ parliamentary representation, with fellow new MSP Q Manivannan also elected on Friday for the Edinburgh and Lothians East seat.
Q Manivannan, who is also transgender, told supporters: “I am to some in this country everything that the hateful despise and I am standing here as your MSP now with care.”
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 on the party’s position.
Express.co.uk has contacted the Scottish Greens for additional comment.