Louise Haigh, the former transport secretary, has accused allies of Keir Starmer of mistreating women in the cabinet during an interview on October 12, 2024. She alleged that a ‘cabal of men’ targeted her and other female colleagues, including Lisa Nandy and Angela Rayner, following her resignation.
Accusations of a Boys' Club Culture
During a discussion with Nick Robinson on the podcast Political Thinking, Haigh described her experience of facing "sexist and unpleasant" press briefs after her departure from the cabinet. She stated, “The idea that there wasn’t a cabal of men that were deliberately mistreating women around the government is just fanciful.”
Haigh’s comments highlight a broader issue within the Labour Party under Starmer's leadership. She claimed that the treatment of women in the cabinet was part of a persistent culture of sexism and discrimination, which had also impacted her colleagues.
Haigh's Departure and Its Implications
Haigh, who was sacked from her role in the cabinet, revealed that her dismissal followed her admission of having pleaded guilty to an incident involving a lost mobile phone in 2013. She expressed frustration that Starmer and his aides did not provide clarity regarding the reasons for her firing. "Both Morgan [McSweeney] and [Starmer] kept saying ‘well, additional information has emerged,’ but at no point would any of them tell me what that additional information was,” she said.
Her departure from the cabinet, marked by a notably brief public acknowledgment from Starmer, has been viewed as a catalyst for growing dissent within the party. Haigh played a significant role in organizing a rebellion that challenged Starmer’s authority, further positioning her as a key player in the political landscape.
Future Prospects in Burnham's Government
Looking ahead, Haigh is rumored to be in line for a position in Andy Burnham’s upcoming government. However, she clarified that she would not be taking on the role of chancellor. Instead, she advocated for the establishment of a more robust economic unit within Number 10 to support decision-making processes.
“There needs to be a proper beefed up economic unit in Number 10 that both the prime minister and the chancellor have access to, and that can give the prime minister a full suite of advice when they’re making these huge decisions that affect the country,” she emphasized.
- Haigh accused Starmer's allies of mistreating women.
- She described a 'boys' club' culture in the cabinet.
- Her departure was linked to a rebellion against Starmer.
- Haigh is expected to join Burnham's government.
Downing Street has yet to respond to Haigh's allegations. The unfolding political dynamics within Labour as Burnham prepares to assume leadership will be closely monitored.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Politics. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
