Who is Louise Haigh? Labour transport boss who has struck pay deal with rail union

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Transport secretary Louise Haigh says a major breakthrough has been reached in the ongoing rail disputes as ASLEF union bosses agree to recommend a new pay proposal to their members. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer and Transport Secretary Louise Haigh “When I took this job, I said I wanted to move fast and fix things – starting by bringing an end to rail strikes,” Ms Haigh said earlier this week. “If accepted, this offer would finally bring an end to this long-running dispute and allow us to move forward by driving up performance for passengers with the biggest overhaul to our railways in a generation.” In July, chancellor Rachel Reeves announced all public sector workers can expect a pay rise of 5 to 6 per cent this year. She held two junior shadow cabinet positions under previous Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn before being given the Northern Ireland and finally transport brief by Keir Starmer.