Episode
'Burnham’s power broker': Why is Louise Haigh back at the heart of government?
- Podcast
- This Is Why
- Published
- Jul 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1126
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.skynews.com
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Summary
Less than two years ago, Louise Haigh resigned from government under a cloud. Today, she's back at the heart of power as Andy Burnham's first secretary of state, and one of the most influential figures in Westminster. Niall Paterson is joined by Bloomberg journalist Rosa Prince to trace Ms Haigh's journey from Sheffield to the Cabinet Office. They discuss the conviction that derailed her career, her role in Mr Burnham's rise to Number 10, and why those who know her see her as much more than the "Red Lou" label. They also ask what kind of politician she really is, and whether the woman many now describe as the power behind the prime minister could one day become a leader in her own right. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]