Summary
Chancellor Rachel Reeves reported too many unauthorized leaks about the Budget before its official announcement. An investigation is underway to find the source of these leaks, which included incorrect information. The leaks have resulted in a review of Treasury processes and a cybersecurity check of IT systems.
Key Facts
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed concern over numerous unauthorized leaks about the Budget.
- Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle criticized the leaks, calling it a "hokey-cokey Budget."
- The Financial Times reported a leak suggesting dropped plans to increase income tax; this is under investigation.
- The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) accidentally published the Budget details online before the official speech.
- Richard Hughes, OBR chairman, resigned after the incident.
- A pay-per-mile charge on electric vehicles and a tourist tax were among leaked measures.
- The National Centre for Cyber Security is examining Treasury IT systems.
- An inquiry led by the Cabinet Office is investigating the sources of leaks, including within various government departments.
