Disabled MP's taxi use investigated by watchdog

Jarrow and Gateshead East MP Kate Osborne is under investigation for allegedly breaching spending rules

A Labour MP is under investigation for allegedly breaching Parliament's expenses guidelines.

Kate Osborne, the Jarrow and Gateshead East MP, is being investigated by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) for her spending on travel and subsistence costs, as well as "miscellaneous costs and financial assistance".

Osborne, who is disabled, said the inquiry was centred on her use of taxis following an operation to her spine in February.

She said using taxis for commuting or carrying luggage had been recommended by Parliament's health service in 2023, with increased support after the medical procedure.

Osborne said: "Whilst this operation was a success it has not helped my disability, it has highlighted other issues and I am afraid has left me still in a lot of pain which the consultant has said will be for the rest of my life."

She is the second Labour MP to be investigated by Ipsa this year, after the watchdog opened an inquiry into spending by Tahir Ali in May.

Ali, the MP for Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley, faces an investigation into spending on "office costs, travel and accommodation".

'Acted within rules'

Osborne, who has been an MP for six years, said she had met Ipsa's compliance officer last week to discuss her use of taxis.

She also said she would "fully comply" with the investigation and was "confident" it would show she had "acted within rules and followed the advice" she had been given.

"I want my constituents to know that my priority is, has been and always will be to fight for you, and do my best to represent you in Parliament and in the constituency."

In its announcement of the investigation, Ipsa said: "No further information will be published until the investigation has concluded."