Louise Haigh Steps Down as Transport Secretary Following Admission of Wrongdoing in Phone Incident
Haigh said she reported a work phone stolen after being mugged in 2013 but later found the phone in her home.
Louise Haigh resigned as transport secretary on Thursday after it emerged she pleaded guilty to a criminal offence related to incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013.
Haigh stated that she was mugged in London and provided a list of stolen items, including a work phone, when she reported the incident to the police.
Upon further investigation, she discovered that the phone was actually still at her house.
She expressed her understanding that regardless of the circumstances, this issue could divert attention from the government’s work and policies they are dedicated to.
It was confirmed that Starmer was briefed on the incident when Haigh joined the shadow Cabinet.
Related Stories
Haigh admitted guilt in court with the support of legal counsel, and magistrates granted her the lowest possible outcome, according to her statement.
The offence was classified as fraud, and the conviction has since become spent.
Reports from Sky News and The Times of London on Thursday evening revealed that Haigh had confessed to an offence in 2014 following the incident.
Her employer at the time initiated an investigation after she reported several company mobile phones missing or stolen on multiple occasions, as reported by The Times of London.
During the incident, Haigh was employed by insurance company Aviva, based on the reports.
Haigh has represented Sheffield Heeley as an MP since 2015 and has held various shadow ministerial and shadow Cabinet positions before taking on the role of transport secretary when Labour came into power in July. Prior to her political career, she served as a special constable.
Starmer commended Haigh in his response for her significant achievements as transport secretary, particularly in bringing the rail system back under public ownership through the establishment of Great British Railways and investing £1 billion in essential bus services.
“I know you still have a significant contribution to make in the future,” he added.
A Conservative Party spokesman stated, “Louise Haigh made the right decision in resigning. It is evident that she did not meet the expected standards of an MP.
“In her resignation letter, she mentions that Keir Starmer was already aware of the fraud conviction, prompting questions as to why the prime minister appointed Ms. Haigh to Cabinet with responsibility for a £30 billion budget?
“The responsibility now lies with Keir Starmer to justify this clear lapse in judgment to the British public.”
