Labour minister Al Carns has claimed approximately £3,000 in parliamentary expenses for the production of 17 promotional videos, including one where he challenges a firefighter to a pull-up contest. The videos, approved by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa), show the veterans minister and former Royal Marine interacting with local businesses and organisations in his Birmingham Selly Oak constituency.
In the series, Carns is seen at a fire station participating in an 'MP v firefighter pull up challenge', at a brewery having a pint, and at a museum discussing his time in the marines. Overall, he claimed about £14,000 for the services of a PR consultant and a videographer, who produced the films described as 'shining a light' on local work.
Carns defended the expenditure, stating it was 'made in full compliance with IPSA rules' and focused on 'engagement, not personal promotion'. His office added that the videos highlight the work of local organisations such as the NHS, food banks, and the fire service, and are part of routine constituency engagement.
Ipsa rules prohibit MPs from using public funds for activities primarily aimed at promoting their own political profile. However, Ipsa approved the claims. The expenses come as Ipsa releases a new, simplified rulebook giving MPs greater flexibility, and as the cost of the MP expenses system rises to £281m a year.
