Reform MP Faces Fresh Scrutiny Over Paid Cameo Videos Filmed in Parliament
Lee Anderson, the Reform UK MP, has sparked significant controversy by recording paid-for personalized messaging videos from his parliamentary office, raising serious questions about potential breaches of parliamentary rules. The videos, which were created for the video messaging platform Cameo, appear to violate strict regulations prohibiting the commercial use of the Palace of Westminster.
Valentine's Day Messages from the Heart of Democracy
In early February 2025, Anderson sold two Valentine's Day messages via Cameo for £45 and £56 respectively. In the videos, he explicitly stated he was speaking from what he called the "beating heart of democracy in Westminster." This commercial activity directly contradicts parliamentary guidelines that forbid MPs from using taxpayer-funded facilities for profit-making ventures.
One video was addressed to "Steve," a Reform voter and member, with Anderson urging him to "treat the missus to something really nice" and inviting him to visit Westminster. The second clip, filmed as the Commons adjourned, targeted "Scotty" with humorous but pointed advice about Valentine's Day preparations, including criticism of previous flower-giving efforts.
History of Commercial Filming Violations
This incident represents not Anderson's first encounter with commercial filming restrictions in Westminster. In September 2023, the standards commissioner found him in breach of rules after he recorded a promotional clip for his GB News programme from the roof of the House of Commons. Following that ruling, Anderson apologized for violating the MPs' code of conduct and pledged he would not create commercial videos on the parliamentary estate again.
Despite this previous commitment, the newly discovered February 2025 videos suggest a continuation of problematic behavior. Anderson's spokesperson has stated that all money received from Cameo is donated directly to a male suicide charity, emphasizing that the MP has not personally profited from the platform.
Broader Context of Reform UK and Cameo
Anderson joined Cameo in July 2024, just two days after being elected as a Reform MP, following in the footsteps of his party leader Nigel Farage. Farage's extensive use of the platform has drawn considerable scrutiny, particularly after revelations that he recorded videos supporting a rioter, repeating far-right slogans, and endorsing a neo-Nazi event.
While Farage has earned substantial sums from Cameo—at least £374,893 over five years—Anderson represents a far less in-demand figure on the platform. The Guardian investigation found only 22 public videos produced by Anderson compared to 1,794 from Farage over the same period.
Additional Potential Violations
Beyond the commercial filming concerns, Anderson faces questions about six other videos where he offers tours of the Houses of Parliament to recipients of paid-for clips. In these recordings, he invites individuals to "come and see me" if they visit London, promising to show them around the parliamentary estate and go for "a few pints together."
Such offers potentially violate additional parliamentary rules that prohibit MPs from providing tours of parliament "as a prize or reward for fundraising or for any other kind of benefit." This creates a layered compliance issue that extends beyond the initial commercial filming concerns.
Political Implications and Responses
The controversy emerges as Anderson serves as chief whip for Reform's eight MPs, placing him in a leadership position within the party. His spokesperson has maintained that the Cameo activities represent charitable fundraising rather than personal profit, stating definitively that "Lee Anderson has not earned a single penny from Cameo."
Meanwhile, Farage's spokesperson has defended his Cameo usage, arguing the videos should "not be treated as political statements or campaign activity" and noting that "at that scale, the occasional mistake can occur" given the thousands of videos recorded.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between modern digital platforms and traditional parliamentary regulations, particularly as public figures explore new revenue streams and engagement methods. With previous violations already on record, Anderson's latest activities may prompt more serious consequences from parliamentary standards authorities.
