Labour MP Tahir Ali has been cleared of breaching Parliament's expenses rules after an investigation by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) found he was 'careful with spending public money'. The probe, which began in May 2025, examined questions about his office costs, travel and accommodation expenses. In a report published on Thursday, Ipsa's compliance officer Matt Walker stated that Mr Ali committed 'no breaches' of the expenses policy.
Investigation details
The investigation was triggered by apparent discrepancies in claims for travel and hotel accommodation. However, Mr Walker said he received 'detailed information' that led him to conclude these were due to 'dating errors'. The probe also looked into the ordering of three mobile phone handsets from a supplier that should not have made them available, but Mr Walker ruled these were still 'claimable business costs'.
Ali's cautious approach
Mr Walker's report highlighted that Mr Ali erred 'too much on the side of caution', funding 'considerable' costs out of his own pocket when he could have claimed them. For instance, when moving constituency offices, Mr Ali decided to remove and reuse items funded by Ipsa, including window blinds and kitchen units. He even attempted to have laminate flooring removed and reinstalled in his new office. Additionally, Mr Ali paid for new LED lighting and electrical works at his constituency office personally. Mr Walker noted these costs would have come 'at quite a considerable cost' and should have been covered by Ipsa or the landlord.
Public purse protector
Mr Walker said: 'My investigation revealed that (Mr Ali) is in fact careful with spending public money.' He added that Mr Ali covered costs himself because he is 'very protective of the public purse'. Mr Walker advised Mr Ali that where a cost is claimable, he should claim it, and there is no expectation that he covers some costs himself. Mr Ali has been contacted for comment.
