Reeves admits Budget leaks were ‘extremely damaging’ but insists she wasn’t to blame
Reeves insists she wasn’t behind ’damaging’ Budget leaks
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves admitted that leaks preceding her Budget were "extremely damaging" but denied authorising them.
- A leak inquiry is currently underway, led by the Treasury's permanent secretary, James Bowler, and will investigate ministers, officials, and advisers.
- Reeves confirmed that she and Sir Keir Starmer jointly decided against raising income tax, opting instead to extend a freeze on tax thresholds.
- She described a Financial Times story revealing the dropped income tax plans as "incredibly damaging" and an unauthorised leak.
- Reeves expressed significant frustration over the volume of leaks and speculation, including early access to the OBR's spring statement, prompting a review of Treasury security processes.