UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh Resigns

Louise Haigh has resigned from her position as UK Transport Secretary following the revelation of a fraud conviction from 2014, where she falsely claimed her work mobile phone was stolen during a mugging in 2013. In her resignation letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, she acknowledged that her past would distract from the government's work and expressed pride in her achievements, including her role in advancing rail nationalization and improving public transport services. Despite her conviction having been spent and receiving a conditional discharge, political opponents are pressing Starmer to justify her appointment given her past. Haigh, a prominent figure in Labour's 'soft left', has served as an MP since 2015 and held various ministerial roles prior to her cabinet position. Starmer thanked her for her contributions but acknowledged the need for her to step down under the circumstances. A successor is expected to be announced soon.