Louise Haigh, recently elected as Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley for a fourth term, has taken on the role of transport secretary in Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet.
- Her career includes a stint as public policy manager for Aviva, with a focus on corporate governance and investment policy.
- Haigh has been a vocal critic of the government’s Integrated Rail Plan and has advocated for projects like HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
- She supports the renationalisation of railways and a strategic plan for road maintenance, emphasising the need for improved connectivity in the North.
- Haigh has consistently voiced concerns about rail and road infrastructure, advocating for investments that would address economic and environmental challenges.
Louise Haigh’s political journey has been marked by a clear focus on transport and infrastructure, demonstrated by her recent appointment as the transport secretary under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Entering the political arena as an MP in 2015, her progressive attitude towards economic reform was evident in her maiden speech, where she highlighted the importance of incentivising green, productive industries.
Before her political career, Haigh was involved with corporate governance and responsible investment policy at Aviva, which provided her a foundational understanding of economic strategies. Her active participation in parliamentary debates and questions further showcased her commitment, becoming known for her tenacity and willingness to address complex issues.
Transport has been a recent focal point in Haigh’s agenda. Her fierce opposition to the Conservative government’s Integrated Rail Plan, particularly the decision to truncate the HS2 project, underscores her dedication to better Northern connectivity. Haigh described the plan as a betrayal to the North, criticising its reliance on outdated infrastructure and insufficient transport links.
As shadow transport secretary, Haigh rallied behind the rail unions and condemned proposed budget cuts, warning of their long-term negative impacts on rail infrastructure. Her advocacy for a comprehensive review and improvement of transport services is underscored by the economic and environmental benefits she argues these projects would bring.
Her commitment extends to road infrastructure, where she has proposed solutions to tackle the country’s deteriorating road conditions. Haigh argues for multi-year funding to local councils to maintain roads effectively, aiming to improve connectivity and efficiency.
In her tenure, Haigh has been adamant about the significance of a connected Northern region. She has pointed out the economic losses due to poor infrastructure and stressed the importance of strategic planning in future developments. Despite challenges and criticisms, she remains a steadfast advocate for transformative transport policies.
Louise Haigh’s leadership in transport policy is aimed at addressing the UK’s connectivity issues through strategic investments and infrastructure reforms.
