Louise Haigh Emerges as Leading Contender for Deputy PM Role

Angela Rayner has resigned as the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister following a tax scandal, creating a significant vacancy within the government. In the aftermath of her resignation, Labour Party members began endorsing potential successors, with Louise Haigh, the MP for Sheffield Heeley, emerging as a prominent candidate. While Haigh’s experience in the cabinet is notable, her past conviction for fraud raises questions about her suitability for the role.

Rayner stepped down after facing scrutiny over her tax affairs, particularly regarding an £800,000 flat in Hove. She admitted to underpaying tax and was found by ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus to have breached the ministerial code by not seeking specialist tax advice. Despite this, Magnus acknowledged that Rayner acted with integrity. In her resignation letter, she expressed regret for her oversight, stating, “It was never my intention to do anything other than pay the right amount.”

In response to her resignation, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his admiration for Rayner in a handwritten note, recognizing the difficulty of her decision. He stated, “You have been a trusted colleague and a true friend for many years.”

Louise Haigh has represented Sheffield Heeley since 2015 and served as the Transport Secretary until November 2024. Her previous roles include working as a Metropolitan Police officer and a shop steward for the Unite union. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has publicly endorsed Haigh, emphasizing the need for Labour to move away from being too “London-centric” and to become “less factional and more inclusive.”

Although Haigh has not officially announced her candidacy, she is considered a strong contender by party insiders. Her reputation is somewhat overshadowed by an incident from 2013, when she faced a fraud charge while employed at Aviva. During this time, Haigh reported a work-issued BlackBerry as stolen but later received a new iPhone 5. She pleaded guilty to fraud in a London magistrates’ court, receiving a fine of £100, along with court costs and a victim surcharge.

Haigh explained that she had initially believed her phone had been stolen during a mugging and later found it at home, after she had already claimed on insurance. “Under the advice of my solicitor, I pleaded guilty – despite the fact this was a genuine mistake from which I did not make any gain,” she stated.

In November 2024, when the conviction resurfaced, Haigh resigned from the cabinet, remarking, “I am sorry to leave the Cabinet under these circumstances.” She emphasized that her tenure as the youngest female cabinet minister was one of her proudest achievements and indicated her desire not to be a distraction to the party. Starmer praised her contributions, particularly regarding rail renationalisation.

Opponents have criticized Haigh due to her past conviction. A spokesperson for the Conservative Party stated, “It is clear she has failed to behave to the standards expected of an MP.” They called for Starmer to address this perceived failure in judgment to the public.

Despite the controversy, allies of Haigh maintain that her past should not define her future. A friend noted, “Louise is looking forward to continuing to serve the government from the backbenches. She has a lot more to give.” Burnham’s endorsement suggests confidence in her potential leadership role.

The race for the deputy leadership remains open, but Haigh’s backing indicates she is still viewed as a serious contender for the position. As the Labour Party navigates this transition, the implications of her past and her vision for the future will be closely scrutinized.