A senior Labour MP, Taiwo Owatemi, has sparked outrage after it was revealed she claimed £900 in taxpayer money to cover ‘pet rent’ for her dog, Bella.
The claim was made for her second home in London, where she stays while working in the capital.
The Controversial Claim and Public Reaction
Owatemi, the MP for Coventry North West, submitted the claim in August 2024 to cover a surcharge imposed by her landlord for allowing her cockapoo to live with her.
While this expense is technically allowed under parliamentary rules, it has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from those who see it as an unnecessary use of public funds.
Campaigners, including disability advocate Hannah Campbell, have expressed their outrage.
Campbell, a war hero who lost her leg in Iraq, told The Sun on Sunday, “This is a disgrace – one set of rules for them and one set for everyone else.”
She continued, “When disability money is being cut, to hear that an MP has received £900 for a dog really is shocking.”
Defence From Labour Sources
Labour sources have defended Owatemi, pointing out that it is common for landlords to charge extra fees for tenants who have pets.
A spokesperson for the party stated, “MPs are required to work in two locations, and this is a requirement for living in this house.
It is the same for many other MPs and has been approved by the parliamentary expenses watchdog.”
While Owatemi’s actions are legal, the controversy brings to mind the infamous 2009 MPs’ expenses scandal, where several politicians faced public backlash for submitting questionable claims.
Owatemi’s Background and Social Media Activity
Owatemi, a 32-year-old qualified pharmacist, was first elected in 2019.
She is married with a young daughter and is an active advocate for pet welfare.
In fact, she often shares posts about her own dog, Bella, and her support for pet charities on social media.
Last year, she posted about her love for her cockapoo, stating, “As the proud owner of a gorgeous cockapoo called Bella, I am always happy to hear about the amazing work they do in regards to rehoming and pet welfare.”
She also celebrated National Pet Day by sharing a photo of herself with Bella, captioned, “Today we celebrate the joy our pets bring to our lives.”
The Broader Context of MP Expenses Scandals
This ‘pet rent’ claim is the latest in a string of embarrassing expenses controversies involving MPs. A week before Owatemi’s pet rent revelation, Labour’s Rachel Reeves faced criticism for accepting £600 VIP seats to a concert.
The issue of MPs’ expenses has been a hot topic in recent months, with several high-profile figures in the Labour Party also facing scrutiny over lavish gifts and perks, including clothing and concert tickets.
Earlier, Reeves had defended her acceptance of the corporate box tickets for a Sabrina Carpenter concert, citing security reasons.
She claimed that her position as a senior minister meant she required close protection, which made sitting with other concertgoers impractical.
The Bigger Picture: Public Trust and Austerity Measures
As Labour politicians face mounting criticism for their expense claims, they also find themselves defending their policies on austerity.
Many within their own party have questioned how leaders like Reeves can justify accepting expensive perks while pushing forward with benefit cuts and an era of austerity.
In the case of Owatemi’s pet rent, the issue is more about the perception of fairness.
With taxpayers footing the bill, many feel the expense is an example of MPs not leading by the standards they expect of others.