Labour Minister Al Carns Claims Expenses for Promotional Videos Including Firefighter Pull-Up Challenge
Labour minister Al Carns has claimed thousands of pounds on parliamentary expenses for a series of promotional videos, with one featuring him engaging in a pull-up contest against a firefighter at a local station. The veterans minister and former Royal Marine, who is seen by some MPs as a potential leadership candidate, received approval from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) for approximately £3,000 to produce 17 videos that showcase his interactions with businesses and services in his Birmingham Selly Oak constituency.
Content of the Videos and Expense Claims
In the videos, Carns is depicted chatting with fire officers and participating in what is labeled as an "MP v firefighter pull up challenge." Additionally, he visits a local brewery, where he is filmed enjoying a pint and stating, "It's really important we in government help companies like this thrive." Another clip shows him at Selly Manor Museum, where he reflects on his military experience, mentioning, "I spent weeks, if not months in the field in the marines where it was hard going being outside for that amount of time," and handling armour while noting, "I've worn body armour my whole life – for 24 years."
Overall, Carns claimed around £14,000 for the services of a PR consultant, who has highlighted on LinkedIn her collaboration with Carns and a videographer on a "series of short films shining a light on just some of the incredible work taking place across Al's Birmingham Selly Oak constituency." Carns defended the expenditure, explaining that most of the PR consultant's work involved day-to-day constituency office support, including administrative tasks, engagement with local organisations, and outreach on behalf of constituents. He emphasised that his total staff spending of £111,000 was "significantly below typical levels for MPs" and noted that the contractor had also been employed by his predecessor.
Compliance with Ipsa Rules and Broader Context
Carns asserted that the expenses were "made in full compliance with IPSA rules, and has been properly declared and approved." His office added that the video content is part of efforts to communicate with constituents and highlight local organisations and public services, focusing on engagement and transparency rather than personal promotion. They stated, "The video you mention was filmed during a routine visit to a local fire station. We use the videos to champion people and organisations who work so hard on behalf of the constituency: NHS, food banks, community and volunteer groups, and the fire and rescue service."
This incident occurs amid a trend of MPs increasingly using video to connect with the public, though it remains unclear how many are claiming expenses for such activities. Ipsa rules stipulate that MPs may only access funding for costs incurred as a result of parliamentary functions and must not use it for activities primarily aimed at promoting their political profile. Recently, Ipsa released a new rulebook, condensing about 45 pages of rules into a 10-page scheme based on principles, which grants MPs greater flexibility and discretion over business costs. This new scheme, effective from 1 April, allows outer-London MPs to claim for hotels or rented accommodation near parliament instead of a higher living allowance if they choose.
Rising Costs of the MP Expenses System
The approval of Carns's claims comes as the MP expenses system faces scrutiny over rising costs. Last month, Treasury minister James Murray highlighted increasing expenses after Ipsa requested an additional £13 million to cover MPs' claims. The annual cost of the system has now reached about £281 million, up from £242 million the previous year, surpassing inflation rates. Murray commented in a letter, "If Ipsa were a normal government department, HMT would reject their current reserve claim. The pressure arises from higher demand against existing policies and budget entitlements, rather than from a new or unavoidable policy decision or cost shock."
In response to the changes, an Ipsa spokesperson said, "We want to make sure MPs have the right amount of flexibility to determine how to run their parliamentary affairs. Our scheme of MPs' staffing and business costs will continue to outline the fundamental rules which must be followed, and we always take robust action to address regulatory risks and provide transparency to the public. This evolution of our approach brings us in line with other areas of public life and other regulators – such as the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards – which operate a similar model."
