OBR chief lauches probe as Budget contents published prematurely

THE head of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has apologised and launched an investigation after it prematurely published the contents of Rachel Reeves’ Budget.

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Richard Hughes, the chairman of the independent watchdog, said its fiscal outlook into the Chancellor's plans was accidentally published shortly before midday, half an hour before Ms Reeves announced the measures.

The OBR earlier said a “technical error” within the organisation was to blame for its early release.

Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride told the Commons the leak was “outrageous”, adding in a point of order that the document included market-sensitive information and the leak might constitute a criminal offence.

Sir Mel later told journalists that he was not calling for the resignation of Mr Hughes “at this point”.