The OBR leak scandal has triggered a major shift at the top of the United Kingdom’s Budget watchdog. Richard Hughes announced his resignation as chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility after the watchdog confirmed the worst security breach in its history. This situation has increased pressure on the government and the chancellor. It also raised concerns about the protection of confidential Budget forecasts.
Hughes wrote a personal letter to Rachel Reeves and Dame Meg Hillier. In the letter, he explained that the organisation must move forward with urgency. He accepted responsibility for the failure that allowed details of the Budget to appear online before the official speech. His main goal focuses on protecting the watchdog’s independence and credibility.
On Monday, the watchdog released its internal investigation results. Investigators revealed that the Economic and Fiscal Outlook leaked online before the chancellor presented her Budget. Several unknown online users tried repeatedly to access the information. Later, some of them gained entry and viewed the report early. The review also pointed to similar access issues during the Spring Statement in March. Because of that, investigators demanded major operational changes.
Hughes said the OBR leak scandal required immediate action and full cooperation. He expressed confidence that the watchdog could restore trust with better protections. Stronger technology and tighter publication rules will guide future releases.
He joined the organisation in 2020 and received a second five-year term in July. However, he stated that the OBR needed stability more than his continued leadership.
In Parliament, Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray thanked Hughes. Murray praised his service and commitment to accurate economic analysis. Opposition voices responded differently. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the chancellor of using Hughes as a shield. She continued to demand Rachel Reeves resign over separate claims involving public finances.
The OBR investigation highlighted repeated attempts to access the Budget page early. Unique users eventually succeeded dozens of times. Therefore, the watchdog plans a full review to prevent similar failures. Its leaders want to protect credibility before the next official forecast. Overall, the OBR leak scandal now stands as a serious lesson about digital safeguards and political accountability.
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