Key Takeaways
- Louise Haigh, who resigned as transport secretary in 2024, accuses Keir Starmer’s allies of sexist treatment.
- Haigh claims she and other women faced ‘consistently and viciously’ briefings after her departure from the cabinet.
- She names Lisa Nandy, Bridget Phillipson, Angela Rayner, and Sue Gray as targets of this alleged mistreatment.
Louise Haigh, who resigned as transport secretary in 2024, has accused a 'cabal of men' around Keir Starmer of engaging in sexist treatment towards women within the cabinet. In an interview with BBC’s Nick Robinson, Haigh detailed her experiences and those of other female colleagues.
Haigh stated that she was one of several women who faced 'sexist and unpleasant' press briefings after openly discussing her reasons for leaving the cabinet to support Andy Burnham. She highlighted a pattern of consistent and vicious treatment by Starmer’s allies, which she believes is part of a broader issue affecting female politicians.
Haigh specifically mentioned Lisa Nandy, Bridget Phillipson, Angela Rayner, and Sue Gray as individuals who also faced similar mistreatment. According to Haigh, these briefings were designed to undermine their credibility and public standing.
In her statement, Haigh emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the political system. She called on Starmer’s team to address these allegations seriously and ensure that such practices do not continue in future.
Haigh's comments come at a time when gender equality and fair treatment of women in politics are increasingly being discussed in public forums. Her accusations have sparked debate about the culture within the Labour Party and its leadership.
The Labour Party has yet to comment on Haigh’s allegations, but sources close to Starmer have denied any wrongdoing and suggested that the briefings were part of routine political discourse.
Haigh's resignation as transport secretary in 2024 was a significant moment for the Labour Party. Her decision to speak out now adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious period within the party’s leadership.
'I was one of several women who faced consistently and viciously briefings after my departure from the cabinet.'
Louise Haigh, Former transport secretary
