A key associate of Al Carns, the former Armed Forces minister who recently resigned amid tensions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has come under scrutiny due to a criminal past and ongoing business controversies. Paul Cadman, a Birmingham-based entrepreneur and ex-nightclub bouncer, was convicted of fraud in 2005 for orchestrating a scam that involved creating fake profiles, including names such as Harry Potter and Bill Clinton, to falsely claim approximately £1 million from a government apprenticeship scheme.

Cadman served five years in prison and was subsequently banned from serving as a company director for ten years. Despite this, he currently holds director positions in multiple businesses, notably serving as CEO of the apprenticeship charity Steps to Work. The charity entered voluntary liquidation recently, revealing significant financial irregularities. According to official filings, Steps to Work generated £23 million in income before collapse but was left with just £24,000 in the bank. Administrators raised concerns about the transfer of the charity’s most valuable assets to a subsidiary owned by Cadman for a nominal £1, while the main entity was burdened with £2 million in debts. Cadman has denied any wrongdoing related to these transactions.

Al Carns, the Birmingham Selly Oak MP, has maintained a close association with Cadman, with the two sharing a staff member responsible for public relations and online content. Carns has been publicly supportive of events organized by Cadman, including a recent defense conference that Carns endorsed despite Cadman’s history prompting changes to government procurement regulations. Carns described the initiative as offering valuable guidance and connections to businesses.

Sources within Birmingham City Council report that Cadman has been effectively barred from council premises due to concerns about his involvement, with speculation linking him to issues related to a costly and problematic IT system rollout. The system, Oracle, was overseen by Cadman’s sister when she was council chief executive and has reportedly cost the council £144 million in remediation work.

Beyond their professional ties, Carns and Cadman have been seen together at local sports events and are known to engage in social activities, including donating blood plasma side by side. Cadman has openly praised Carns, calling him an experienced leader with practical judgment, and has endorsed his leadership ambitions. Local observers have expressed surprise and concern over Carns’ close relationship with Cadman, with some suggesting Carns has been warned about Cadman’s background.

Cadman has also been linked to an altercation at a business awards event where an associate was injured and hospitalized. No charges were filed due to insufficient video evidence. In more recent years, he has adopted a family crest bearing a Latin motto that translates as “No one attacks me with impunity.”

Carns declined to comment directly on the association, but a spokesperson emphasized his engagement with a wide range of community members in Birmingham. Cadman acknowledged past mistakes but stated he has since reformed and is focused on assisting others.

The revelations have sparked questions about Carns’ judgment as he contemplates a potential leadership bid following his resignation from the government earlier this week.