British Transport Secretary Louise Hay Photo: Hollie Adams/Reuters
British Transport Minister Louise Hay has resigned following a scandal over an old incident in which she misled police about her work mobile phone. This was reported by Reuters.
The move was the first resignation in the Labour government since its victory in the general election in July. The resignation comes amid revelations that Hay was convicted of perjury in 2014 and released on parole.
What happened
In her letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, dated 28 November, Louise Hay explained that in 2013 she had reported to the police that she had lost her phone in a robbery. It later turned out that the device had been left at home.
“This was a mistake that will not be repeated,” Hay said in her resignation letter. She added that she continues to support the government, but believes that her departure will avoid distractions from important political tasks.
Reaction of Starmer and the opposition
Keir Starmer thanked Hay for her work and contribution to the implementation of ambitious transport reforms. However, the scandal was immediately used by the opposition to criticise the government.
Representatives of the Conservative Party acknowledged that Hay had “done the right thing” by resigning, but demanded an explanation from Starmer for her appointment, despite the information about her past.
“Keir Starmer owes it to himself to explain why this man was appointed Transport Secretary knowing of his previous conviction,” the Conservative spokesman said.
Crisis in the Labour government
Louise Hay’s resignation adds to the challenges facing the Labour government, which is already facing a decline in popularity due to a series of bad decisions. In particular, criticism has been drawn to cuts in fuel subsidies for pensioners, controversial tax reforms and allegations of the use of expensive gifts by government officials.
Louise Hay, who was elected to parliament in 2015 and held senior positions under Starmer and his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, said she hoped to continue to support Labour’s policy agenda. However, her resignation highlights how acute the struggle for public trust in the new government remains.
