Keir Starmer has named Heidi Alexander as his new Transport Secretary, replacing Louise Haigh who stepped down due to a mobile phone fraud offence. Alexander, who previously served as the courts minister and Deputy London Mayor for Transport, returned to the House of Commons as the MP for Swindon South in July after previously holding the position from 2010 to 2018.
Haigh’s resignation followed the revelation that she pleaded guilty to a fraud offence in 2014, after incorrectly reporting to the police that her work mobile phone was stolen in 2013. Despite the conviction being spent, Haigh admitted to the mistake, citing it as a genuine error from which she gained no benefit, with magistrates providing a lenient outcome. She represented Sheffield Heeley as an MP and held various shadow ministerial roles before becoming Transport Secretary after Labour’s election victory in July.
Before entering politics, Haigh also served as a special constable. Alexander’s appointment brings a fresh perspective to the Transport Secretary role, with her experience in both the legal and transport sectors positioning her well for the responsibilities ahead. This change in the Cabinet reflects Starmer’s commitment to maintaining high standards within the government and ensuring accountability among its members.