Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, has come under fire after documents revealed she charged birthday cards, golf club hospitality, and alcohol to public expenses despite her £91,000 annual salary.
Newly disclosed records, obtained via a Freedom of Information request by Conservative campaigner James Wright, detail several contentious claims. Among them are a £5.50 expense for a birthday card, £5.50 for “beverages,” and £2.75 classified as hospitality at Tiverton Golf Club. Gilmour also submitted a £10.24 subsistence claim that included a half pint of Thatchers Haze cider, which the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) subsequently rejected.
Other expense claims revealed include £1,345.82 spent on office redecoration and £4,566.44 for moving costs—both approved and paid from public funds.
Gilmour’s office defended the MP, emphasizing her compliance with IPSA’s rules. “Rachel Gilmour has accurately logged her expenses with IPSA, and where appropriate those have been paid,” said a spokesperson. They further criticized Conservative commentators, stating, “Conservative Party commentators are in no position to criticise hardworking MPs given their legacy of misusing taxpayers’ money under the Johnson and Truss governments.”
Among the disclosed receipts was a photograph of a meal and drink claimed for £11.81, including chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and cider. While this claim was rejected, some other minor expenses were approved.
This latest revelation adds to previous controversies involving Gilmour, who has faced scrutiny for appointing her son to a paid office role and for reportedly swearing at security staff during a visit to the Hinkley Point nuclear plant.