A high-ranking cybersecurity official will lead an investigation into the Budget leak, following indications that an “external individual” might be responsible.
The Office for Budget Responsibility, usually held in high regard, faced scrutiny after the premature online disclosure of Rachel Reeves’ annual tax and spending proposals on Wednesday.
Expressing deep regret over the breach, Richard Hughes, the OBR chair, issued an apology to the Chancellor. During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Hughes disclosed that the leaked documents were not directly published on the OBR’s webpage but were accessed through an external link. He emphasized the necessity of a thorough investigation to uncover the specifics of the incident.
Hughes mentioned that the inquiry would enlist the expertise of Professor Ciaran Martin, the former head of the National Cyber Security Centre.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Resolution Foundation think tank, Hughes affirmed that he would step down if both the Chancellor and the Commons committee lost faith in him due to the breach. He stressed the seriousness with which Budget security is taken and assured that the investigation was already in progress, with a swift report expected by the beginning of the following week.
Reiterating his accountability, Hughes stated, “I am accountable day-to-day contingent on the trust of the Chancellor and the Treasury Committee. If, following the investigation, they no longer have confidence in me, I will resign as the Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility.”
The OBR had previously attributed the premature release to a “technical error” within the organization and issued an apology for the oversight.
Rachel Reeves expressed continued support for Hughes despite the leak, emphasizing the imperative that such incidents never recur. The Chancellor acknowledged the apology from Hughes and underscored the gravity of the breach, while expressing confidence in both Hughes and the OBR for their vital work.
Reeves mentioned that she was made aware of the premature release while in the House of Commons preparing for the Budget announcement.