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International Business Times UK

Rohit David

Rape, Assault, Theft? Doesn't Matter – UK Ministers' Criminal Records Stay Secret by Law

ICO United Kingdom Louise Haigh the Cabinet Office Lisa Smart Cabinet Office Ethics

Shocking ICO verdict: Ministers' criminal records stay secret under privacy laws, post-Haigh fraud fallout. (Credit: Pexels/Cotton Bro Studios)

In a shock ruling that has sent Westminster reeling, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office has declared that ministers' criminal pasts – whether fraud, assault, or theft – can remain hidden under privacy laws.

Published on 12 November 2025, the decision slams the brakes on transparency and has triggered surging searches such as 'UK ministers criminal records secret', 'ICO watchdog ruling 2025', and 'Louise Haigh fraud conviction', intensifying scrutiny of Labour's ethics record.

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