Haigh told Starmer about her criminal record 'as she joined his team 4 years ago'

SIR KEIR Starmer was facing mounting pressure last night to explain why he appointed a convicted fraudster to Labour's top team for over four years.

- Steph Spyro

Louise Haigh quit as Transport Secretary yesterday when it emerged she admitted a fraud offence after wrongly telling police a work mobile phone was stolen in a 2013 mugging.

It is understood it was disclosed to the PM when Ms Haigh, 37, joined his Shadow Cabinet in 2020.

But Sir Keir's spokesman insisted her resignation came after "further information" emerged.

Tory MP and Daily Express columnist Esther McVey said: "Given Starmer knew about this conviction, then it brings into question his judgment in appointing her.

"If her position is untenable when it becomes public, surely it was untenable when just Starmer knew about it." A Tory Party spokesman said: "It is clear she has failed to behave to the standards expected of an MP. In her resignation letter, she states that Keir Starmer was already aware of the fraud conviction, which raises questions as to why the Prime Minister appointed Ms Haigh to Cabinet with responsibility for a £30billion budget.