The UK Treasury has launched an inquiry into unauthorized briefings of Budget policies to the media ahead of last week's statement. James Bowler, permanent secretary to the Treasury, is leading the investigation into the leaks, which prompted sharp criticism from Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who branded it a "hokey-cokey Budget".
The inquiry comes as Richard Hughes, head of the Office for Budget Responsibility, resigned on Monday over the unprecedented early release of the watchdog's economic forecast hours before the November 26 Budget.
James Murray, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, announced the probe on Wednesday while addressing an urgent question in the Commons. Someone leaked several major tax-raising policies to the press before Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the Budget statement. Murray said: "A leak inquiry is now under way with the full support of the Chancellor and the whole Treasury team."
The early publication of the OBR's economic and fiscal outlook marked an unusual security failure. The document's premature release contributed to Hughes' resignation and raised questions about the integrity of fiscal announcements.
An OBR letter to the Treasury Committee, sent last Friday, detailed the timing of its pre-measures forecasts and contributed to claims that Reeves had "misled" voters about public finances.
Security Review Announced
Bowler will conduct a comprehensive review of Treasury security processes. Murray told MPs the government would "work closely with the OBR to ensure that robust security arrangements are in place before the spring forecast and for all future forecasts".
He emphasized that the Government prioritizes Budget security, including preventing leaks of information. The review will focus on security processes to inform future fiscal events.
Murray confirmed that Reeves was aware of the OBR letter to the Treasury Committee and "was content for it to be published, and she agreed that with the permanent secretary".
Parliamentary Scrutiny
Dame Meg Hillier, Labour chairwoman of the Treasury Committee, questioned the inquiry's effectiveness. She noted: "Leak inquiries have a habit of not finding someone responsible."
She pressed Murray on accountability, asking: "But if somebody is found responsible, will they follow the lead set by Richard Hughes?" Murray declined to speculate on the outcome of the leak inquiry.
He added: "The Government take our obligations to this House very seriously, and last week we produced a Budget that delivers on our priorities for the British people."
The OBR indicated it would work with the Treasury on future security arrangements. The watchdog took an unusual step by providing detailed timing of its pre-measures forecasts, which showed Reeves was aware of a small forecast surplus when she delivered a speech on November 4.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
