Louise Haigh named transport secretary in new Government

Louise Haigh has been appointed as the new transport secretary having held the shadow transport brief since 2021.

Prior to taking the shadow transport brief, she was shadow Northern Ireland secretary and the former special constable was also a shadow policing minister under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.

The MP for Sheffield Heeley ran the leadership campaign of Lisa Nandy, who she had worked for before entering Parliament, in the contest to replace Corbyn in 2019.

At the Labour Party Conference in September 2022, the former Unite union shop steward first revealed Labour’s plans to renationalise the country’s railways.

Richard Smith, managing director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), congratulated Haigh on her appointment as secretary of state for transport in the new Government.

“We look forward to continuing our good working relationship with her team in the months and years ahead to support our vital industry and to help deliver economic growth,” he added.

“90% of freight is moved by road so it’s vital the Government delivers an infrastructure programme which ensures our sector can move people and goods efficiently and effectively.”

James Court, chief executive of Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England, also congratulated Haigh on her appointment.

“This is an exciting time for the newly elected Labour Government to keep up the pace of our net zero goals and push on with the ambitious changes EV drivers are demanding,” he said.

“Our members report overwhelming satisfaction with their driving experience, and the growing number of EVs on UK roads is testament to strong future prospects for EVs.

“EVA England looks forward to working with the transport secretary to make these prospects a reality, ensuring our charging and support networks develop at pace, and that new EV drivers remain just as satisfied."