UK transport secretary Louise Haigh has resigned after it was revealed she had a prior conviction for fraud by misrepresentation.
In 2013, while employed by Aviva, Haigh reported her work mobile phone as stolen following a mugging.
She later discovered the phone was not stolen but failed to inform the authorities or her employer promptly.
This oversight led to her conviction at Southwark Magistrates’ Court in 2014, where she received a conditional discharge.
In her resignation letter to UK prime minister Keir Starmer, Haigh expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging it would distract from the government’s work.
She stated: “I remain totally committed to our political project, but I now believe it will be best served by my supporting you from outside government.”
Starmer accepted her resignation, thanking Haigh for her contributions, particularly in advancing rail and bus services.
He noted: “I know you still have a huge contribution to make in the future.”
The news comes less than 24 hours after Haigh had announced her vision for an Integrated National Transport Strategy at Leeds Civic Hall.
Haigh’s departure marks the first resignation from Starmer’s cabinet since his election victory in July 2024.
The prime minister has yet to announce her successor.
