Deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly Defends £1,000 Wimbledon Trip Amid Repayment Calls

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has defended her taxpayer-funded trip to Wimbledon, where she attended the tournament's Royal Box alongside her husband, Education Authority chief executive Richard Pengelly, and various celebrities. The trip cost nearly £1,000 for flights and accommodation, sparking criticism from political opponents like Alliance deputy leader Eóin Tennyson, who called for her to repay the expenses, describing it as a "jolly to Wimbledon on the taxpayers’ dime." Little-Pengelly emphasized the honor of representing Northern Ireland at such a prestigious UK sporting event and framed her attendance as part of her role to promote and champion Northern Ireland on national and international stages. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) defended her, stating the spending complied with civil service rules and that no additional cost was incurred from her husband's attendance. The Executive Office confirmed the expenses followed proper procedures, and the invitation was extended by the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in her official capacity. While First Minister Michelle O’Neill also received an invitation, she opted to attend a GAA football semi-final instead, incurring no public expense.