Budget Leak Inquiry: Treasury reviews autumn security measures

Published: 04 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The Treasury opened an inquiry after several autumn budget details appeared early in reports.
Officials expressed concern because leaked policies influenced public understanding before the planned budget announcement.
The permanent secretary will examine departmental security processes to strengthen protection surrounding sensitive fiscal information.
James Murray confirmed the review would help guide future activities involving confidential government planning documents.
He said the government always prioritised budget security and viewed unauthorised disclosures as serious breaches.
A formal leak investigation began with Rachel Reeves offering complete backing to ensure thorough procedural examination.
Multiple key measures, including tax thresholds and electric vehicle levies, emerged publicly before official release.

The Conservative leadership accused Reeves of manipulating sentiment by allowing early coverage of planned policies.
Kemi Badenoch argued a similar action in business leadership could prompt dismissal or legal challenges.
The House speaker criticised the situation and insisted parliament should hear major policies before journalists.
Meg Hillier noted previous inquiries rarely identify culprits and questioned consequences should responsibility become clear.
Murray refused to speculate on outcomes and emphasised the importance of maintaining strict investigative independence.
Richard Hughes resigned earlier after the OBR accidentally published a sensitive document ahead of the budget.
Members of the OBR said press speculation created difficulties because leaked material caused confusion and frustration.
They expressed concern that inaccurate assumptions circulated widely when official clarification could not legally occur.
Business leaders reported the leaks affected economic behaviour and weakened confidence during an already delicate period.
AJ Bell’s chief executive said rumours led nervous savers to withdraw funds before retirement decisions.
He warned continued speculation could repeat before future budgets without firm commitments about pension taxation.
Uncertainty surrounding future tax positions encouraged reactions that might otherwise remain unnecessary for cautious savers.