Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State and de facto deputy to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has been left as the most senior government minister in the United Kingdom while Mr. Burnham is on a family holiday abroad. Mr. Burnham, who entered office on July 20, began his long-planned trip with his family this week.
Downing Street stated that Mr. Burnham will remain in contact with his office and is prepared to return to the UK if necessary. However, he is not expected to make public appearances this week. Reform UK has criticized Mr. Burnham's absence so early in his premiership, with some Labour insiders also reportedly questioning the decision.
Ms. Haigh, known as 'Red Lou,' was photographed arriving at the Cabinet Office in London on Tuesday. She wore a grey trouser suit, a light-colored sleeveless top, and white Adidas trainers. While she is expected to continue her normal duties, Downing Street clarified that she will not be making day-to-day decisions in the Prime Minister's absence.
Ms. Haigh's current position marks a return to a prominent role in government. Less than two years prior, she resigned from former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Cabinet after a fraud conviction from her twenties came to light. Her appointment as First Secretary of State by Mr. Burnham, who she helped secure victory in the Makerfield by-election in June, is seen by some as a significant comeback. She is the first woman to hold the title of First Secretary of State, which indicates seniority over other secretaries of state, since Barbara Castle in the late 1960s.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris defended Mr. Burnham's decision to take a holiday, telling Sky News that the Prime Minister would be in constant contact and that the work of the government, particularly on issues like the cost of living, social care, and homelessness, would continue at pace.
During Mr. Burnham's absence, Mr. Norris also addressed the government's decision to allow the killers of PC Andrew Harper to remain eligible for early release from prison. He acknowledged the controversy but stated that the alternative would be the cessation of prison functions. Approximately 5,000 individuals are expected to be released early under new sentencing guidelines, a reduction from an initial estimate of 6,000 after rapists and child sex offenders were exempted. However, two of PC Andrew Harper's killers are still eligible for early release, despite outcry from the officer's family. PC Harper died in August 2019 while responding to a quad bike theft.
Mr. Burnham's holiday plans were initially reported to have been canceled following riots in August 2024, but Downing Street confirmed his travel abroad for the family trip earlier this week. The Prime Minister's official spokesman reiterated that the government continues to operate normally, with Mr. Burnham in contact with officials and receiving updates on government business. The specific holiday destination has not been disclosed.