A Labour minister Chris McDonald has been criticised after it emerged that he used taxpayers’ money to set up a podcast studio.
The MP for Stockton North and minister for industry, spent more than £500 through the parliamentary expenses system on podcast equipment. The purchases included microphones, lighting and soundproofing panels, which were listed as “other office equipment”.
Details of the spending only became public following a Freedom of Information request seen by The Telegraph. Records show that Mr McDonald spent £294 on a wireless microphone system in January last year. He later bought acoustic wood panels for £141, a studio microphone for £59, a cable costing £25 and two adjustable microphone arms worth £45.
The equipment was used for his podcast, Full Steam Ahead! With Chris McDonald. Additional expenses revealed included £250 for an oil painting, £1,275 for a boardroom table and more than £700 on cameras, although Mr McDonald said these were unrelated to the podcast.
Critics questioned the value of the spending. Joanna Marchong of the Adam Smith Institute said taxpayers would be angry that public money was being used for what she described as vanity projects. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake also criticised the move, saying there were cheaper ways for MPs to communicate with constituents.
McDonald defended the expenses, saying the podcast was not personal but a community-facing platform designed to highlight local voices, history and issues.
His spokesman said all purchases complied with parliamentary rules and were used solely for constituency and parliamentary work.
The podcast has attracted limited online views, with its first episode receiving fewer than 300 views.
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