OBR chief's exit may ease pressure on Rachel Reeves but the battle isn't over

"Had Richard Hughes not resigned as boss of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on Monday amid the indignation over the accidental publication of Rachel Reeves's budget, the Treasury might now be under pressure over the tsunami of leaks that preceded it. The OBR's David Miles told MPs on Tuesday the leaks had been so widespread and misleadingthat the watchdog feared its reputation was at stake."

"Reeves's allies have made no secret about the lack of rapport between her and Hughes a blunt former IMF and Treasury official, whose past career involved advising the Zimbabwean government about hyperinflation. Longtime observers of the relationship between the Treasury and OBR point out that last year marked the first time Labour has had to tangle with the watchdog since it was created by George Osborne."

Richard Hughes resigned as head of the Office for Budget Responsibility amid outrage over the accidental publication of Rachel Reeves's budget and a wave of preceding leaks. The leaks were described by David Miles as widespread and misleading, prompting fears for the watchdog's reputation. Briefings and public comments, including from Reeves, focused on timing of the OBR's productivity review and refusals to score pro-growth policies. Reeves pushed for the OBR to score initiatives such as a youth experience scheme and improved trade relationships. Tensions between Reeves and Hughes, combined with historical friction between the Treasury and the OBR, have prompted a search for a replacement and calls for safeguards against future leaks.

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