Al Carns: Former Marine and Labour Minister with Leadership Ambitions
Al Carns, 45, is the Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak and a former Royal Marines officer. He joined the military in 1999 and was awarded the Military Cross in 2011 for his actions in Afghanistan. After serving 24 years, Carns resigned from the armed forces to stand for Parliament. Following the 2024 election, he was appointed junior veterans minister and was later promoted in September 2025 to armed forces minister, overseeing all military matters.
A former special forces colonel, Carns served as a military adviser to three defence secretaries: Penny Mordaunt, Michael Fallon, and Gavin Williamson. He has warned that Europe faces the shadow of war with Russia and argued that the UK must deter this threat and mobilise the nation for a potential existential conflict. This stance is broader than comments from defence secretary John Healey.
Within Labour, there is speculation that Carns could be a future leadership contender. His rapid rise from outside politics is viewed by some as risky, and there are questions about his political instincts. His leadership prospects are discussed amid the deputy leadership contest and Labour's stance in No 10 backing Bridget Phillipson, with others like Lucy Powell also aligned by some MPs.
In addition to his political and military career, Carns achieved a world record in 2025 by climbing Mount Everest in under five days without acclimatisation, aided by xenon gas, alongside former military colleagues.
Born in Aberdeen and educated in state schools, Carns’ career has combined frontline military service with significant political roles, positioning him as a notable figure within the Labour Party.
