Tribunal rules cabinet ministers' criminal convictions can be kept secret

A tribunal has ruled that the public does not have the right to know whether cabinet ministers have declared previous criminal convictions, rejecting a freedom of information request on the grounds that such information is protected under data protection law.

The decision follows the resignation of former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh in 2024, after it emerged she had failed to disclose a past fraud conviction. Haigh had told Prime Minister Keir Starmer when she was appointed to the shadow cabinet, but did not inform the Cabinet Office or the propriety and ethics committee. The media later uncovered the conviction, leading to her departure.

The ruling has raised questions about transparency and accountability in government. Critics argue that voters have a right to know about the backgrounds of those who hold high office, especially since there is no formal vetting process for MPs or ministers. Supporters of the decision point out that many convictions are spent and that people should be allowed to move on from past mistakes, particularly if the offence is minor.

A Government spokeswoman said the Information Commissioner's Office, which made the ruling, is independent and acts in the public interest. The tribunal's decision means that future requests for similar information are likely to be refused, unless the individual consents or there is a compelling public interest that outweighs data protection rights.

The case has reignited debate about whether the current system of self-declaration by ministers is sufficient, and whether the public should be able to make informed choices at the ballot box about the character of those seeking power.