Public Opinion on Transport Secretary’s Resignation

Louise Haigh MP stepped down from her role as transport secretary on Friday morning following the disclosure of a fraud offence she committed ten years prior. BBC News visited the railway and bus station in the city she represents to gather opinions from transport users regarding her resignation. In Sheffield, as commuters began their journeys to work while it was still dark, they learned that one of the city’s Members of Parliament had vacated her ministerial position. Haigh, the representative for the Sheffield Heeley constituency, had previously acknowledged informing police in 2013 that her work mobile phone had been lost during a mugging, only to subsequently discover it had not been stolen. Magistrates issued her a conditional discharge in connection with this incident, which occurred prior to her election as an MP. Several commuters interviewed were unaware of the news, with some having no knowledge of the former minister or her ties to Sheffield. Jack Colburn, 26, expressed the view that the resignation of Haigh, who became an MP in 2015, might have been preventable. He stated, “I think all MPs should be more transparent, anyone working on that level and representing people should be more honest about their history.” He further added, “If they are more honest and upfront, it reduces the fallout further down the line.” Sam Richardson, 22, a resident of Sheffield, commented that he believed the public possessed a right to be informed about a politician’s past, particularly concerning criminal issues. He remarked, “I don’t think it should be covered up.” When questioned about the appropriateness of Haigh’s resignation, he responded, “If somebody has been found guilty of something like this or if the public perception of somebody has shifted, I think that they should react to that accordingly.” He concluded, “I think it is right for her to step down given the circumstances.” Another resident, sharing similar views, stated that although the matter might seem “trivial,” he anticipated politicians would uphold accountability. He further commented, “It is a criminal act.” Siobhan Fitt-Stirling, 35, and Simon Partridge, 34, disagreed that Haigh’s spent conviction warranted her resignation. Ms Fitt-Stirling remarked, “Looking at what she said about the incident, it seemed like a genuinely, honest mistake.” She continued, “I know that we have to hold MPs accountable but I think this is very minor thing to resign over, especially with the impact she has had so far being transport secretary.” Mr Partridge added, “She made a mistake, it’s such a silly thing to resign over when there are probably people in the cabinet who have done worse things.” He concluded, “It’s over 10 years ago, who cares? Someone had it out for her, so she’s gone.” A different commuter informed the BBC that she considered Haigh’s choice to resign to be “very brave.” Claire Mercer has been advocating for the abolition of smart motorways since her husband Jason’s death on the M1 near Sheffield in June 2019. Subsequent to Haigh’s resignation, the widow stated that the ongoing political changes were impeding progress. She informed BBC Look North, “In five years, we’ve had five prime ministers and four transport secretaries, there is just no consistency.” She questioned, “How can any policy get decent consideration when we are averaging that turnover?” Haigh had urged the abandonment of smart motorways as recently as April 2023, describing them as “not fit for purpose”; however, Ms Mercer noted that the politician never held a meeting with her. Nonetheless, Ms Mercer affirmed her intention to “keep on fighting” and expressed hope that the new transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, would be “ready for me.” Highlights from South Yorkshire are available on BBC Sounds, the latest episode of Look North can be viewed, or a story for coverage can be submitted here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC holds no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details on our approach to external linking are provided.