An ex-Special Forces colonel tipped as a future prime minister has claimed almost £36,000 in taxpayer money for communications and PR services since he was elected in 2024 — more than all other ministers combined.
Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister who has been talked up as a possible candidate in any future Labour leadership race, has filmed a string of promotional videos showing off his constituency work, including one of himself in a pull-ups competition with a local firefighter.
The MP for Birmingham Selly Oak claimed £20,900 for communications and media expenses in 2024-25 and £14,900 in 2025-26, according to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa).
Shorts – Quick stories
ENVIRONMENT
Eagles to return to Exmoor despite farmer concerns
Caption: Undated handout photo issued by Ainsley Bennett showing a white-tailed eagle. Natural England has given the go-ahead for up to 60 white-tailed eagles to be released into the wild, at Wild Ken Hill in west Norfolk, in an attempt to bring back the birds to England. Issue date: Monday May 10, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story ENVIRONMENT Eagles. Photo credit should read: Ainsley Bennett/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. Photographer: Ainsley Bennett Provider: PA Source: PA
Up to 20 young white-tailed eagles are to be released in Exmoor National Park in Devon and Somerset as the species continues its comeback from being pushed to extinction in much of the British Isles.
The species, which is the UK’s largest bird of prey, has already been successfully reintroduced in the Isle of Wight and Scotland despite concerns about conflicts with farming.
Return of raptor once common in England’s skies
Also known as “sea eagles” because of their ability to hunt over open water, the white-tailed eagle was widespread in southern England until the 1700s. But hunting led to them being wiped out in the region until a breeding programme began on the Isle of Wight. Some 45 birds have been released, with the first pair breeding successfully in 2023.
You can find both white-tailed sea eagles, the UK’s largest bird of prey, and golden eagles on the Isle of Mull,(Photo: Getty)A white-tailed eagle, also known as a sea eagle, comes in to catch a fish thrown overboard from a wildlife viewing boat (Photo: Getty)
Farming fears ‘unfounded’
Concerns have previously been raised that the large eagles, whose wingspan can reach 8ft, would prey on livestock such as lambs. But a study on the Isle of Wight found the birds were instead targeting cuttlefish, rabbits, fish and other birds. It found there were “no conflicts” with farming.
A white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) takes wings in light snowfall from a field (Getty Images)Caption: A ewe with her newborn lambs during a bright morning in the village of Ladbroke in Warwickshire. March is expected to have a mild start, with brighter skies and temperatures set to reach 14C in some areas this week. Picture date: Sunday March 2, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story WEATHER Spring. Photo credit should read: JAcob King/PA Wire Photographer: Jacob King Provider: JAcob King/PA Wire Source: PA Copyright: PA
Exmoor, which has long expanses of coastal woodland, is considered ideal habitat for white-tailed eagles. The national park authority has pledged support for farmers in adapting to the birds.
Today’s young people will look up one day and wonder why they’ve got nowhere to celebrate their birthday (Photo: Mike Kemp/In Pictures)
healthy eating
Popular sandwiches with highest salt content revealed
Shop-bought sandwiches can contain an “alarmingly high” amount of salt – with one in particular containing the equivalent of nearly five McDonald’s cheeseburgers or ten bacon rashers, a study has warned.
The review of 546 sandwiches sold by high street outlets named a smoked chicken club sandwich sold by Gail’s as the nation’s saltiest. The upmarket bakery’s lunch snack contained 6.88g of salt – enough to exceed the daily adult limit of 6g in a single meal.
What you need to know
Researchers warn there are “hidden health risks” in shop-bought sarnies.
Danish smorrebrod traditional open sandwich at Copenhagen food market store. Many sandwiches on display with seafood and meat, smoked salmon. Photographer: Maridav/Getty Images
Nutrition is not as simple as calorie content. Oversimplifying it is dangerous
Action on Salt found nearly 50 per cent of sandwiches should carry a red “high salt” label. 32 contained half of the maximum daily salt intake.
A third of the offerings were also high in saturated fat, while 97 per cent failed to provide a third of daily recommended fibre.
Cooling rack filled with freshly baked artisanal breads in bakery – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Who were the worst culprits?
Several of the worst offenders are sold at Gail’s. Alongside its £8.90 club sandwich (6.88g), the upscale bakery also has a smoked salmon bagel (4.2g) and a ham and cheese croissant (2.6g), the saltiest croissant in the study. Paul’s rosette salami offering had 4.19g and Pret’s ham and grevé baguette had 3.85g.
Caption: Sandwiches are on display at a FamilyMart convenience store in Tokyo on May 13, 2026. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP via Getty Images) Photographer: YUICHI YAMAZAKI Provider: AFP via Getty Images Source: AFP Copyright: AFP or licensors The new shot comes hot on the heels of other health shots (Photo: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
A high salt intake is regarded as a particular health risk because of its association with high blood pressure. The condition has no symptoms and yet is responsible for around half of all heart attacks and strokes.
Pensions
What a Reform government would mean for your pension
The strong performance by Reform UK in last week’s local elections has intensified scrutiny of what a government led by Nigel Farage might mean for personal finances.
To date, the party has offered only a few detailed policies on pensions but the proposals nonetheless point to possible significant changes for retirees and savers.
What you need to know
Experts are arguing that the UK should make greater use of existing government data (Photo: Andrzej Rostek/Getty/iStockphoto)
Triple lock intact
Reform has said it will keep the guarantee that pensions will rise by the highest of inflation, wage growth or 2.5 per cent.
Public sector pensions
The same cannot be said for defined benefit schemes for teachers and NHS workers. Reform has said these pensions are too costly.
Hospital Hallway with Doctors, Nurses and Specialists in Hospital. Female and Male Physicians, Surgeons, Healthcare Officials Walk Together in Corridor with Their Back to Camera – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Resident doctors from the British Medical Association picket outside St Thomas’ Hospital in November. Another five-day strike began today. (Photo: Hiba Kola/Reuters)
Union clash looms
Reform has said it will close DB schemes to new entrants. Experts have warned this would anger unions.
Why it’s the economy that matters when it comes to pension pots
The biggest impact of any Reform government on pensions would lie less in specific policies and more in its general marshalling of the economy, according to experts. The party has said it will reboot growth by slashing red tape and businsess taxes, thereby boosting investment performance. But some observers warn simplistic solutions risk economic stability.
Caption: ROMFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage speaks with media outside Havering Town Hall following the 2026 local election results on May 08, 2026 in Romford, England. Voters went to the polls yesterday in the local elections across England. Results counted overnight show widespread losses for the Labour Party. Several key Labour councils have surrendered their majority as Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats make significant gains. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Photographer: Dan Kitwood Provider: Getty Images Source: Getty Images Europe Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT
5 min read
Why do the British insist on exporting their culture when they travel? (Photo: Ceri Breeze/Getty)
FOOD AND DRINK
Greggs to open international shop at Tenerife South airport
The British chain will bring its beloved range of baked goods to the Canary Islands.
Greggs last operated shops abroad in Belgium in 2008, but said Tenerife was “the ideal location to test spreading our wings in an overseas setting”.
What you need to know
Greggs will open a branch in Tenerife South airport later this month.
The usual range of sausage rolls, pasties and sweet treats will be on offer.
A ‘Spanish omelette roll’ will also be on the menu.
Around half of Tenerife’s 13 million visitors go to and from the UK each year.
OPINION
2 min read
What Greggs is saying
It’s an exciting milestone for Greggs as we bring a slice of home to the Canaries, and we’re confident our great-value offering will resonate just as well under the Spanish sun as it does on the UK high street.
Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie
Caption: Greggs sausage rolls, UK. (Photo by: Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Photographer: UCG Provider: UCG/Universal Images Group via G Source: Universal Images Group Editorial Copyright: Alex Segre
GO DEEPER ON THIS TOPIC
Greggs has made me ashamed to be British
Caption: Bay of turquoise coloured water in Los Cristianos, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Photographer: BriBar Provider: Getty Images Source: E+ Copyright: BW PHOTOGRAPHY
Emily Watkins
Freelance writer
Spain – a land of excellent food, rich cultural identity and a beautiful language. Of course, if you’re a British tourist there, odds are you won’t have noticed.
Why do the British insist on exporting their culture when they travel?
Read more here.
How would Andy Burnham become prime minister?
Andy Burnham is one of the frontrunners to replace Sir Keir Starmer if he resigns as Prime Minister. The Manchester Mayor has previously indicated he would be willing to overthrow the current Labour leader.
Caption: File photo dated 13/4/26 of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party MP and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham meet pupils during a visit to a school breakfast club at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Ashton, Greater Manchester. Andy Burnham “should never have been blocked” from seeking a seat in the Commons, Angela Rayner has said today. Issue date: Monday May 11, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Paul Ellis/PA Wire Photographer: Paul Ellis Provider: Paul Ellis/PA Wire Source: PA Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham cannot run for the leadership unless he wins a seat in Parliament (Photo: Ryan Jenkinson/Getty)
First step – find a vacant seat
Caption: File photo dated 13/4/26 of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party MP and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham meet pupils during a visit to a school breakfast club at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Ashton, Greater Manchester. Andy Burnham “should never have been blocked” from seeking a seat in the Commons, Angela Rayner has said today. Issue date: Monday May 11, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Paul Ellis/PA Wire Photographer: Paul Ellis Provider: Paul Ellis/PA Wire Source: PA
A vacant parliamentary seat would need to be available and finding one may not be easy.
There are two by-elections coming up in Scotland, but Burnham is unlikely to stand in these.
Caption: Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham arrives for a meeting in 10 Downing Street, London, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Photographer: Alastair Grant Provider: AP Source: AP Copyright: Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Caption: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – OCTOBER 31: Labour Party MP Clive Lewis addresses hundreds of activists and campaigners in London’s Parliament Square during ‘Extinction Rebellion’ protest against the inaction of the British government in the face of climate change and ecological collapse. Protesters declared a non-violent rebellion and demanded urgent action on the ecological crisis to avoid the possibility of human extinction in the near future. October 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo credit should read Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Photographer: Wiktor Szymanowicz Provider: Future Publishing via Getty Imag Source: Future Publishing Copyright: ? 2018 Wiktor Szymanowicz
MPs have indicated in the past they would step aside for Burnham, including Clive Lewis, but these suggestions have since been quashed.
Step two – Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee
If a seat were to become vacant, Burnham would need to win over the National Executive Committee (NEC), who is responsible for choosing Labour’s candidates. In January, the NEC blocked Burnham from running in Gorton and Denton. A 10-strong group, including the PM, voted to deny Burnham permission.
Caption: FILE – Britain’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer poses for a photo outside Parliament Buildings, following a meeting with party leaders, during his tour of the UK following Labour’s victory in the 2024 general election, in Stormont, Belfast, Monday July 8, 2024. (Liam McBurney/Pool Photo via AP, File) Photographer: Liam McBurney Provider: AP Source: Pool PA
Exclusive
3 min read
Step three – a leadership ballot
If Burnham were to be elected to Parliament, only then could he make a Labour leadership bid. According to the Labour Party rule book, candidates seeking to enter the ballot must be an MP.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham speaking at a Resolution Foundation event on working-age families, at the Methodist Central Hall in central London (Photo: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)Caption: Angela Rayner And Andy Burnham At The Daily Mirror Party At The Labour Party Conference In Brighton, 2021 28-September-2021 (Photo by Jeremy Selwyn/Evening Standard via Getty Images) Photographer: Jeremy Selwyn Provider: Evening Standard via Getty Image Source: Evening Standard
This is because the Labour leader is the Prime Minister, therefore they would need to be a Member of Parliament. The current rules state a candidate must receive nominations from 20 per cent of their Labour colleagues in Parliament to be in the running.
A summary of necessary steps
What is standing in Burnham’s way?
Vacant seat
NEC permission
Win election, become an MP
Meet nominations threshold
Win leadership competition, become Labour leader and prime minister
Why driving test booking is set to change for learners
Changes begin on 12 May to reduce wait times and prevent bots and touts from exploiting the system.
(Photo: Steve Parsons/PA).
Driving test reforms
What you need to know
Under new laws, it’ll be illegal for driving instructors or anyone else to book tests for pupils.
They will not be able to change, swap or cancel a test for someone else either.
Learners will still need a reference from their instructor.
Only two changes to a booked slot are allowed; previously, it was up to six.
From 9 June, tests can only be moved to three locations nearest to where the original test was booked.
Why are there changes?
A backlog of driving tests built up as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Instructors were being offered kickbacks of up to £250 to sell their login credentials to touts.
Slots were being bought up in bulk and offered via social media for up to £500.
The standard cost is £62 on weekdays and £75 on evenings and weekends.
Caption: File photo dated 13/10/10 of a learner driver L plate. Driving test candidates should be asked if they would like their examiner to be “chatty” or “formal” to boost female pass rates, a report commissioned by a Government agency has suggested. Transport research group TRL, which proposed the measure, said it would avoid examiners creating “potential anxiety”. AA Driving School told the PA news agency that learners do not want to be examined by “a sergeant major nor a comedian”. Issue date: Sunday August 10, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Jones/PA Wire Photographer: David Jones Provider: David Jones/PA Wire Source: PA
OPINION
2 min read
According to The i Paper‘s analysis, his spending on communications is the second highest of any MP in the country — and is far ahead of his ministerial colleagues at all levels of Government.
A former Royal Marine colonel who served multiple tours in Afghanistan, Carns is understood to have commanded the Special Boat Service — the Special Forces unit of the Royal Navy — though he has neither confirmed nor denied this.
He was awarded an OBE in 2022, and since entering Parliament, he has climbed Everest in five days without acclimatising on the mountain and undertaken reserve training with British Commando Forces in the Arctic.
Within Westminster, Carns’s profile is rising fast, and there has been increasing speculation over whether or not he could run for the Labour leadership if a race was triggered. He penned a 1,000-word piece for The New Statesman, published on Wednesday, titled: “How Labour can win again”. Carns argued that “too many people in this country work hard and still feel like they’re losing”.
“Working-class voters have not simply left Labour,” he wrote. “Many feel Labour stopped understanding their lives, and so they looked elsewhere.”
The former colonel has undertaken military training in the Arctic recently (Photo: MoD)
Reports in The Times previously suggested Carns has been in conversation with Angela Rayner about defence policy, with one ally touting him as a potential “defence or foreign [secretary]”.
Speaking to The i Paper, allies described him as a potential “antidote to Reform” and one of the few frontbenchers capable of reconnecting with “Red Wall” voters.
‘Constituency engagement, not personal promoton’
Carns told The i Paper the claims were “made in full compliance with Ipsa rules” and that the work related to constituency engagement rather than personal promotion.
A series of professionally produced constituency films — funded through his Ipsa expenses — have included a pull-up challenge with firefighters at Kings Norton Fire Station, and a visit to a local brewery where he discussed the importance of Government support for small businesses.
It was great to visit Northfield & Kings Norton Fire Station and meet the team. Our emergency services are the backbone of our communities 🚒
Dedicated, skilled, and there when we need them most. We owe them huge thanks for the work they do. pic.twitter.com/Fsm2j8bXsW
It is not unusual for MPs to use their Ipsa allowance to fund independent contractors who do communications and constituency engagement work.
The allowance exists to help members communicate with constituents, independently of their ministerial or party political roles — unlike government communications budgets, which are funded separately and used for official announcements and policy campaigns.
But the scale of Carns’s spending goes significantly beyond what his colleagues are doing. In 2024-25, every other minister on the Ipsa register — spanning Cabinet and junior ministerial level — combined spent £24,600 on communications and media, only £3,700 more than Carns claimed alone.
Carns was appointed as a defence minister shortly after the 2024 general election (Photo: Jacob King/PA)
In 2025-26, he spent more than all six other ministers who made claims for communications work combined, who together claimed £9,600. The average MP claims around £4,251 a year.
Of the ministers who claimed for communications and media expenses in 2024-25, five claimed less than £2,000 for the entire year, less than Carns spent in a single month.
Since April 2024, his claims for communications and media expenses have been the second-highest of any MP, coming behind independent MP Rupert Lowe, who claimed around £39,200 over the same period.
Carns’s spending funded a monthly fee paid to a Birmingham-based PR specialist and a series of professionally produced constituency short films made with a videographer, who was paid around £4,000.
The films — at least 24 in total across 22 months — covered visits to local businesses, community hubs, a hospital liver care unit, a fire station and a school democracy day.
What would our communities look like without independent businesses?
Great to visit @atticbrewc in Stirchley and see firsthand the passion and hard work that goes into running a successful local brewery.
The PR specialist’s past clients include an internationally renowned ballet company, a Michelin-starred restaurant and multiple arts organisations.
Carns said the majority of her work related to “day-to-day constituency office support, including diary and administrative work, engagement with local organisations and outreach on behalf of myself and constituents” – and that this was listed under communications and media work due to Ipsa rules.
He said his overall staffing spend of £111,000 in 2024-25 was “significantly below typical levels for MPs” and that the video content “very clearly focuses on engagement and transparency, not personal promotion”.
The PR specialist’s LinkedIn profile lists her occupation as a “Communications, Media and PR Consultant” with more than 20 years of experience in media, PR and marketing.
The i Paper understands that under the Ipsa rules, bought-in services categorised under communications and media can include work to update constituents on parliamentary work, and that each MP has flexibility in the day-to-day responsibilities assigned to individual workers.
