Britain's Transport Minister, Louise Haigh, has resigned after admitting to a past offence related to misleading police about a work mobile phone. Her departure marks the first resignation from
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's cabinet since his sweeping electoral victory in July, and it adds to a series of challenges for his government.
Haigh's resignation follows media revelations of a 2014 conviction that resulted in a conditional discharge. She had reported a work mobile phone as lost during a "terrifying" mugging in 2013, only to later discover it was at her home.
In her resignation letter, dated Thursday, Nov. 28, Haigh described the incident as a "mistake" and said she was stepping down to prevent the issue from distracting from the government's priorities. "I remain totally committed to our political project, but I now believe it will be best served by my supporting you from outside government," she wrote.
Starmer expressed gratitude for Haigh's contributions, particularly her role in advancing the government's ambitious transport agenda.
The opposition Conservative Party acknowledged Haigh's decision to resign but criticized Starmer for appointing her despite her conviction. "The onus is now on Keir Starmer to explain this obvious failure of judgment to the British public," a Conservative spokesperson stated.
Haigh's resignation comes amid mounting pressures on Starmer's leadership. Since taking office, his government has faced criticism over policy decisions, including limiting fuel payments for the elderly and accepting controversial donations. Recent tax reforms and budget measures have also sparked backlash from farmers and businesses.
Elected in 2015, Haigh served under both Starmer and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Reflecting on the phone incident, she maintained it was a "genuine mistake" and emphasized that she "did not make any gain" from it.
Her resignation adds to the challenges facing Starmer as his government grapples with declining approval ratings and growing discontent over its policies. Photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.