Starmer pledges investigation into Budget and Cabinet leaks amid internal assurances
Labour leader Keir Starmer has pledged to thoroughly investigate recent leaks concerning the Budget and Cabinet, describing them as intolerable and asserting they are not believed to originate from No. 10 Downing Street.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that unauthorized pre-Budget leaks about abandoning income tax rises have occurred and that an inquiry is underway.
Addressing the Liaison Committee, Starmer emphasized that the leaks did not emanate from his office. He assured that the ongoing inquiry will pursue all evidence to its conclusion and that appropriate action will be taken should a culprit be identified. Drawing from his prior experience as head of the Crown Prosecution Service, Starmer noted he had previously removed individuals responsible for breaches and would act similarly after the current investigation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s chief of staff Mark McSweeney was defended despite being linked to the anti-Streeting briefing, with no plans announced for his removal.
Starmer highlighted that any briefing against Cabinet ministers is unacceptable and that procedures have been implemented to crack down on leaks internally.
Conservative MP Alberto Costa sought assurances from Downing Street regarding the handling of these issues. Starmer responded that assurances have come from various levels within Downing Street and that he has considered evidence beyond those assurances, indicating involvement of staff and advisers in the leaks.
These developments come after a turbulent week marked by headlines about a potential leadership plot by Wes Streeting, possible Budget U-turns, and the premature disclosure of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s response.
