Labour’s Industry Minister Sarah Jones is facing a wave of criticism after it was revealed she claimed £27.50 on expenses for a Remembrance Day wreath. The claim was made for a constituency event where she laid the wreath in honour of fallen soldiers.
While the claim is technically allowed under expenses rules, many see it as crossing a line, especially given the symbolic weight of Remembrance events, according to GB News.
Labour has said the October claim was submitted by mistake and has now been fully repaid. But the backlash hasn’t eased. Conservative MP and Army veteran Ben Obese-Jecty didn’t hold back, saying: “For a minister to claim the cost of paying tribute to our fallen illustrates once again how this Government know the cost of everything and value of nothing.”
Elliot Keck from the TaxPayers’ Alliance also laid into the decision, calling it shameful. “Sarah Jones should hang her head in shame for this, as should any other penny-pinching politician engaging in this undignified practice,” he said. “The laying of a wreath is a deeply solemn, profound event to commemorate those who died fighting for King and country.”
A Labour spokesperson responded quickly, insisting: “This claim was made in error and has been repaid. Sarah donates to the Royal British Legion every year and is proud to do so. The Labour Party’s support for our armed forces is unwavering.”
But Sarah Jones isn’t the first MP to land in hot water over wreath-related expenses. In 2023, SNP MP Steven Bonnar was slammed after charging taxpayers £45 for a memorial wreath. Labour’s Sarah Champion faced similar criticism in 2014 for claiming £17 for one, and even Boris Johnson was once called out for trying to expense a £16.50 wreath when he was MP for Henley.
While it might seem like a small amount on paper, the principle of claiming public money for such a symbolic gesture has clearly touched a nerve with the public, and politicians across party lines have been caught out before.
It’s a reminder that in politics, perception matters. And when it comes to honouring the fallen, many feel it should never come at the taxpayer’s expense — even if it’s technically within the rules.
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