The controversy surrounding Louise Haigh’s “stolen” phone continues to unfold as officers investigating the incident have found discrepancies in the timeline of events. According to sources, after examining the metadata of the photo submitted by Ms. Haigh, it appears that the image was taken after the alleged theft occurred. This has raised suspicions among investigators about the authenticity of the theft claim.
Despite the allegations, sources close to Ms. Haigh have remained silent on the matter, adding more mystery to the unfolding story. The Sheffield MP resigned from her position as transport secretary after it was revealed that she had pleaded guilty and was convicted in 2014 in connection to the stolen phone incident. The conviction is said to be related to fraud, which has further complicated the situation.
Ms. Haigh has maintained that the incident was a “genuine mistake” and that she did not benefit from it in any way. However, multiple sources have claimed that she pursued the stolen phone report for personal gain, adding more layers to the controversy. Claims that the phone was used to call Ms. Haigh’s mother shortly after the reported theft have also surfaced, although they have yet to be verified.
In a statement, Ms. Haigh explained that the incident occurred when she was mugged during a night out in 2013. She reported the theft to the police and listed the items she believed were taken, including a work mobile phone. However, she later discovered that the phone in question was not actually stolen and had been replaced with another device in the meantime. When she turned on the original phone, it caught the attention of the police, leading to further questioning and legal proceedings.
Despite her explanation, questions remain about whether Ms. Haigh fully disclosed the incident when she was appointed to the shadow cabinet in 2020. Downing Street has hinted that new information emerged, prompting her resignation, although the details remain unclear. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has not officially commented on whether he was aware of the conviction when he appointed his cabinet, adding more intrigue to the situation.
Friends of Ms. Haigh have defended her, claiming that she shared all the relevant details of the conviction with Sir Keir Starmer, who reportedly expressed sympathy over the situation. However, the discrepancies in the unfolding story have raised doubts about the transparency of the events leading up to her resignation. As the investigation continues, more details are expected to come to light, shedding further light on this complex and controversial case.
