Colum Eastwood candidly discusses his relationship with Louise Haigh for the first time, shedding light on her political career and their connection.
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Colum Eastwood, the former leader of the SDLP, has opened up about his relationship with Labour MP Louise Haigh for the first time. In an eye-opening interview on the BBC’s Red Lines podcast, Eastwood praised Haigh, calling her a “feisty, strong, tough MP for Sheffield.” This moment is significant as it gives us a glimpse into both his personal and political connections with Haigh.
Who is Louise Haigh?
Louise Haigh’s path into politics is anything but ordinary. Before stepping into the political spotlight, she was a shop steward for the Unite trade union and even served as a Metropolitan Police officer in London’s Lambeth borough.
Haigh also has a background in the insurance industry. She became the MP for Sheffield Heeley in 2015, quickly making a name for herself as a hardworking representative.
In fact, her inaugural year saw her recognized as the hardest-working new MP, according to the independent House of Commons Library.
She not only made the most speeches but also asked the highest number of questions. Early in her political career, Haigh nominated Jeremy Corbyn for the Labour leadership in 2015, but later backed Andy Burnham’s campaign. After Corbyn’s victory, she was appointed as a shadow minister in the Cabinet Office, later taking on roles in the shadow culture ministry and eventually as shadow policing minister.
Haigh’s political journey continued as she actively participated in Lisa Nandy’s leadership campaign following Corbyn’s resignation. Although she endorsed Nandy, she maintained her position in the shadow cabinet after Keir Starmer’s election, becoming Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in April 2020. She held this position until November 2021, when she transitioned to shadow transport minister, further shaping the Labour Party’s transport policies.
Political Controversies and Advocacy
As shadow transport minister, Haigh didn’t shy away from controversy. She famously condemned P&O Ferries as a “rogue operator,” calling for a boycott after the company controversially replaced 800 staff members with cheaper labor. Her outspoken views led to public clashes with the Prime Minister, who argued that her comments didn’t reflect the government’s stance.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed in November 2024 that Haigh had pleaded guilty to a fraud offense from over a decade ago. Following a mugging in London, she falsely reported her phone as stolen, later admitting she had simply misplaced it at home. This incident led to her resignation from her ministerial role, which she described as a “genuine mistake,” expressing deep regret for the situation.
Colum Eastwood’s Personal Reflections
Fast forward to August 2025, Eastwood and Haigh were spotted together at the Féile an Phobail, sparking curiosity about their relationship. Eastwood, having recently ended an eight-year marriage, shared that he and Haigh are “very happy” and “getting on well.” His comments during the podcast shed light on the supportive nature of their bond, especially amidst the pressures of political life.
This public acknowledgment of their relationship marks a new chapter for both Eastwood and Haigh, intertwining their personal lives with their political careers. As they navigate the complexities of politics together, the dynamics of their relationship are sure to attract attention and speculation. What does this mean for their political futures? Only time will tell.
