Last week, new Prime Minister Andy Burnham held a meeting with his cabinet, and we caught a glimpse of Louise Haigh, who has secured the role of the First Secretary of State.
The Sheffield-born politician has a keen interest in fashion, and this was displayed as she was pictured wearing an iconic, past-season high-street dress from L.K.Bennett.
© Lee ThomasThe 38-year-old donned the 'Lasa' blue poppy-print dress. The slightly body-conscious design has a silhouette-skimming cut and is instantly recognisable due to the smattering of blue poppies etched over the torso. The print cascades all over the white fabric and is quite the eye-catching piece. The square neckline and elbow-length sleeves make for a classic shape.
This dress is a past-season buy; it was released in 2014, so it's clear Louise has been keeping the style in her wardrobe for many years. The politician choosing to wear an ensemble from over twelve years ago nods to the art of practising a sustainable fashion ethos during economic scrutiny.
Worn by Princess Kate
This particular frock was made famous by the Princess of Wales, who famously donned the style during the royal tour of Australia in 2014. After landing at the Royal Australian Air Force base in Brisbane, many remarked on how polished and poised Kate looked in the style, particularly as she accessorised the £245 dress with navy blue heels and a matching resplendent clutch bag.
© Getty ImagesPrince William's wife loved it so much that she donned it just two years later.
© WireImageDuring a visit to Luton, she brought back the standout white and blue number, swapping out her blue clutch bag for a beige one, and donning nude heels instead of navy. These small tweaks were mesmerising; the dress looked completely different.
The decline of L.K.Bennett
L.K.Bennett was founded in the 1990s by Linda Bennett, who initially opened a single boutique in Wimbledon. The brand evolved, and at one point, there were 200 outlets across the UK.
© GettyThe Princess of Wales put the brand firmly on the map during her early years as a working royal, stepping out in a plethora of their designs.
© Getty ImagesMs Bennett sold the business for an estimated £100 million in 2008. In 2019, after administration threats, it was purchased by Byland UK. Unfortunately, it was announced in April 2026 that the much-loved business would close all its stores imminently. The website is no longer taking orders after a huge cut-price sale, which saw many items have over eighty per cent off their original price tag.
9 more political fashionistas...
1/9
© Getty ImagesMelania Trump
First Lady Melania Trump, a former model, effortlessly pulls off everything from ball gowns to power suits with her elegant beauty. This photo from January 2025 shows her at one of the inaugural balls for newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump.
2/9
© Justin SullivanKamala Harris
Former Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris rocks a power suit like no other, showing that keeping it sophisticated still makes her a true girl boss. This photo from November 2024 shows her speaking at a campaign rally, looking cool, calm and collected.
3/9
© AFP via Getty ImagesMichelle Obama
Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama knows the time and place to dress up like a diva and when to be professional. This photo from January 2009 shows her at the Southern Regional Inaugural Ball, where she wore a famous ivory white gown.
4/9
© Getty ImagesVictoria Starmer
The wife of former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Victoria Starmer has a very modern British political chic, looking effortlessly classy. Above, she attends the Edeline Lee show during London Fashion Week in September 2024 (so the fact that she's attending Fashion Week says it all...)
5/9
© Getty ImagesCarrie Johnson
Carrie Johnson, wife of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has a style that reflects her eco-conscious approach and dressy influencer vibe. With over 168k Instagram followers, she has the look of a fashionista while remaining a relatable mum. Above, she attends Royal Ascot in June 2022.
6/9
© Getty Images for Victoria BeckhaSanna Marin
Former Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin's post-political lifestyle clearly involves attending Victoria Beckham fashion shows. Above, she attends one of the Paris Fashion Week shows in 2023, wearing a sophisticated black dress that shows off her glamorous side.
7/9
© Getty ImagesJackie Kennedy
Paving the way for future fashionable First Ladies, Jackie Kennedy is the epitome of '60s chic. From her white gloves to delicate pastel shades, she looks like a picture-perfect doll. In this photo, she attends the wedding ceremony of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg in July 1986.
8/9
© Getty Images for The Met Museum/Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Having enjoyed her Met Gala moment in September 2021, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez knows how to make a fashion statement. Her Met Gala look caused a stir as her white gown featured the words "Tax the Rich", making a political move even while off-duty.
9/9
© Getty ImagesBrigitte Macron
Being the First Lady of France is no stress for Brigitte Macron with sharp, tailored looks her 'pain et beurre'. In the photo above, she waits for the arrival of Queen Camilla in December 2024.
