British transport chief quits over decade-old phone case that haunts career
Senior Labour minister steps down after decade-old police case resurfaces. The resignation adds to PM Starmerʼs growing list of challenges just months after taking office
Louise Haigh left her post as transport minister due to an old legal issue thats come back to light. The case from about a decade ago involved a mix-up with a work phone (which she reported stolen but later found at home)
In a letter dated nov-28‚ Haigh explained to Keir Starmer: “This matter will be a set-back for our work; its better if I step aside.“ She got a conditional discharge back in 2014 — a fairly light punishment that shows the case wasnt too serious
The conservative party jumped on this news and made some points:
- Why did Starmer pick her knowing about this
- How come this wasnt dealt with earlier
- What does this say about his decision-making skills
This shake-up hits Starmerʼs government at a rough time — just 4 months after winning big in the elections. The labour party faces push-back from different groups: elderly folks dont like the fuel payment changes; business owners are mad about tax stuff; farmers arent happy with new inheritance rules
The ex-minister (who joined parliament around 9 years ago) wrote that she made an honest error during a scary mugging situation: “I found the phone at home later — there was no bad intent or personal gain from my mistake“
