Louise Haigh resigns as transport secretary over stolen phone fraud offence
Get Expert Analysis With Westminster Emails
Subscribe For Our Free Westminster Updates
Subscribe For Your Free Westminster Update!
I want to receive emails regarding promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please review our privacy policy.
Louise Haigh has made history by being the first minister to resign from Sir Keir Starmer’s administration, dealing a setback to the prime minister.
The transport secretary submitted her resignation to the prime minister after acknowledging that she had been found guilty of filing a false police report about a stolen mobile phone a decade ago.
However, the situation raised concerns over Sir Keir's judgment when it was revealed on Thursday night that he had appointed her to his shadow cabinet in 2020, even after she had informed him about the offense.
After the news came out, many people took to social media to remind everyone that when Boris Johnson received a fine for violating Covid lockdown rules, Sir Keir had tweeted: “You can't be someone who makes laws and someone who breaks them.”
At 37, Ms. Haigh was the youngest cabinet member and played a key role in promoting a socialist agenda in the transportation sector. She focused on the re-nationalization of rail services and reintroducing public ownership of buses.
In her letter to the Prime Minister, Ms. Haigh expressed that she is fully dedicated to their political goals, but believes she would be more effective in her role if she stepped outside the government.
“I regret having to depart in this way, but I am proud of our achievements,” she stated. “I will keep advocating tirelessly for the people of Sheffield Heeley, the individuals I was primarily elected to serve, and I am committed to making sure that we complete our entire agenda.”
Sir Keir Starmer expressed his gratitude to Ms. Haigh for her efforts in advancing the government’s transportation plans.
The incident with the mobile phone happened in 2013 when Ms. Haigh was in her twenties. She reported to the police that she was robbed during a night out.
Ms. Haigh, who served as a special constable with the Metropolitan Police from 2009 to 2011 but was allegedly employed by the insurance company Aviva when the incident occurred, stated: "Eventually, I found out that the mobile phone in question wasn’t actually stolen. During that period, I had received a different work phone."
When the original work device powered on, it caught the attention of the police, and they requested that I come in for questioning. My lawyer recommended that I stay silent during the interview, and I now wish I hadn’t taken that advice.
"The police forwarded the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, and I went before the magistrates."
She mentioned that it was an honest error and that she did not benefit from it in any way.
Ms. Haigh admitted to committing a fraud-related crime at a magistrates' court just six months prior to her election as an MP in 2015.
She was granted a discharge, which means the court determined she was guilty of a minor crime but decided not to impose any penalty. She described this as the “least severe result” she could have gotten. This conviction is now considered spent.
In reply to Ms. Haigh's letter, Mr. Starmer acknowledged her efforts and conveyed a sense of hope regarding her future contributions to the government.
"You have made significant progress in returning our rail network to public ownership by establishing Great British Railways. Additionally, you've invested £1 billion in essential bus services and reduced expenses for drivers," he stated.
“I believe you have a significant impact ahead of you."
In recent weeks, there has been some uncertainty regarding Ms. Haigh's role following DP World, the company that owns P&O Ferries, threatening to pull back a £1 billion investment. This was triggered by her remarks about boycotting the company due to their previous practices of hiring and firing.
The Conservatives stated that the resignation raises doubts about the prime minister's decision-making abilities.
A representative from the Conservative Party stated, "Louise Haigh made the appropriate decision to step down. It’s evident that she has not upheld the standards required of a Member of Parliament."
In her resignation letter, she mentions that Keir Starmer was already informed about her fraud conviction. This brings up important concerns about why the Prime Minister decided to appoint Ms. Haigh to the Cabinet, where she would manage a £30 billion budget. Now, it's up to Keir Starmer to clarify this clear lapse in judgment to the public.
Mick Lynch commended Ms. Haigh for her significant accomplishment in setting the stage for the return of railways to public ownership.
The transport union's general secretary remarked, "Louise accomplished a lot while she served as Transport Secretary, notably establishing the groundwork for public ownership of our railways. This is a significant milestone that puts the interests of passengers and employees ahead of private profits."
"Her insights and commitment have laid the groundwork for a transportation system that is more equitable, effective, and accountable to the public."
