Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi has come under fire for claiming £900 in taxpayer-funded expenses to cover a pet surcharge for her cockapoo, Bella, at her second home in London.



The Coventry North West MP, who serves as a party whip, submitted the claim in August 2024, which was approved under parliamentary expenses rules. However, the revelation has sparked public outrage, especially as she supports £5 billion in benefit cuts. Critics argue that while ordinary citizens face financial struggles, MPs continue to claim questionable expenses at the taxpayers' expense.

Disability advocate Hannah Campbell, a war veteran who lost her leg in Iraq, slammed the move, saying, “This is a disgrace – one rule for them, another for everyone else.” Many campaigners have echoed similar sentiments, calling for a review of what is deemed acceptable under the expenses system.



A Labour spokesperson defended Owatemi, stating that MPs are required to maintain residences in both their constituencies and London, and that pet surcharges are standard fees imposed by landlords. They emphasized that the claim was within parliamentary rules and approved by the expenses watchdog.

While not a breach of regulations, the controversy has reignited debates over MPs’ spending habits, drawing comparisons to the 2009 expenses scandal. Owatemi, elected in 2019, is a vocal advocate for animal welfare and frequently shares social media posts about her dog and pet charities.

The incident adds to growing frustration over politicians' use of public funds, with critics calling for stricter oversight on parliamentary expenses.