Questions are being asked in SW1 about what Starmer knew of Haigh’s fraud conviction. In her resignation letter to Starmer she says “as you know” before detailing the fiasco…
Hacks obviously asked what Starmer knew about Haigh’s conviction at this morning’s Lobby briefing. The PM’s spokesman suggested “further information” came to light yesterday which changed the situation and said twice that “ministers must record in writing and declare private interests which might create a conflict of interest, accurate or perceived.” An implication Whitehall did not know…
Multiple times Downing Street refused to say what that “further information” is or whether Starmer made an error of judgement in appointing Haigh with knowledge of her fraud conviction. No 10 is refusing to answer what Keir knew, when he knew it, why she was appointed, or why she resigned if the conviction was known…
Speaking at his speech on how to achieve “progressive capitalism” Wes Streeting fired a dig and Andy Burnham:
“Bond markets are not bond villains and fiscal rules matter.”