Al Carns, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces, is reportedly preparing to enter the Labour leadership race, should a contest arise. Known for his extraordinary military career and near-death experiences, the 46-year-old father of three is seen as a formidable contender.
Military Career
Carns joined the Royal Marines at age 19, serving for 24 years with four tours in Afghanistan. He has been shot at point-blank range more times than he can remember and lost many friends to mines, bombs, and snipers. In one harrowing incident, he was nearly sucked into a ship's propeller during a botched mission in the Gulf. He recalled: 'I remember the sound of the propeller, and then I got spewed out about 250 metres behind the ship, full of seawater, coughing and spluttering.'
He was awarded the Military Cross in 2007, an OBE in 2022, and the Distinguished Service Order last year for his leadership.
Political Rise
In 2024, Carns was elected MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, surprising friends who knew him as a Conservative voter. He explained that Labour governments have consistently funded defence more than the Conservatives. As Armed Forces Minister, he emphasises action over slogans.
Voting Record
Carns has generally voted for coordinated border security, new immigration crime offences, and scrapping the Rwanda deportation scheme. On social issues, he supports LGBT+ rights and social equality, and has voted for shifting employment rights towards employees. He also voted for allowing terminally ill people to end their lives.
Everest Challenge
Last year, Carns set a record for the fastest Everest ascent without prior acclimatisation, completing the climb in five days. The team faced an avalanche and passed a frozen body. He denied using xenon gas during the climb, stating it was used weeks earlier in Germany.
Leadership Prospects
A Conservative MP described Carns as a 'decisive man of action' and 'an absolute nightmare to face'. However, some Labour colleagues question his stance on domestic issues like the NHS, childcare, and climate change. One noted: 'He's a soldier! But why should this mean he's the solution to our problems?'
