Haigh row continues

SIR Keir Starmer yesterday ignored calls to provide further details on why Louise Haigh resigned as transport secretary over a fraud offence before she became an MP.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir declined to elaborate on what "further information came to light", despite being repeatedly pressed by the Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, to explain why he "knowingly appointed a convicted fraudster" to his Cabinet.

Mrs Badenoch joked that the country needs "conviction politicians, not politicians with convictions", while the Prime Minister highlighted the actions of previous Tory leaders.

Ms Haigh resigned last week after it emerged she had pleaded guilty to a criminal offence related to incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013.

Sir Keir said Ms Haigh's decision to resign was a "marked contrast" from the behaviour of the Tories over the last 14 years.