Louise Haigh's admission
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has resigned after admitting to being a convicted fraudster over her stolen phone claim. The Labour minister, 37, previously said she was mugged during a "terrifying" night out in 2013 and gave police a list of items missing from her handbag, including her work mobile phone. However, she later discovered the phone was not actually stolen.
Resignation letter
Haigh announced her resignation in a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressing regret for the mistake and acknowledging that the issue would be a distraction from government work. She highlighted her achievements and expressed gratitude for the support she had received.
Response from Prime Minister
In response, Prime Minister Starmer thanked Haigh for her contributions to the government's transport agenda, citing achievements such as the creation of Great British Railways and investment in bus services. He noted that Haigh still had a significant role to play in the future.
Legal consequences and aftermath
Haigh was given a conditional discharge for fraud by misrepresentation and admitted to misleading the police. Sources claim she made the false report to personally benefit and obtain a newer phone. Haigh lost her job at Aviva over the incident before being elected as an MP in 2015.
Political reactions
Tory Chairman Nigel Huddleston criticized Starmer for appointing a convicted fraudster to the Cabinet, calling the revelations concerning. The conviction is considered "spent" as Haigh declared it to Starmer in 2020 after being appointed Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary.
Aviva declined to comment on the matter, and Haigh has been approached for further comment.
