Too many unauthorised pre Budget leaks, says Reeves

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has acknowledged that an excessive number of unauthorised leaks took place ahead of her Budget announcement last month, causing frustration in Parliament and confusion among the public. In the weeks leading up to the statement, media outlets were filled with reports about what might be included or removed from the Budget. The situation grew so chaotic that Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle publicly criticised the government, calling it the hokey cokey Budget because, as he put it, one minute something was in, the next minute it was out. His remarks reflected mounting concern that the integrity of the Budget process was being undermined.

A major investigation triggered by a key leak

One of the most controversial leaks appeared in the Financial Times on 13 November, claiming that Reeves had abandoned plans to increase income tax. That report set off a political storm, forcing officials to clarify that no final decisions had been disclosed. Reeves has now ordered a formal investigation into how such sensitive information was released without authorisation. She told MPs that the leak was especially damaging because it created uncertainty among households, businesses and financial markets. The probe will focus on identifying who shared the information and whether any rules were broken in the process.

Reeves says leaks threaten trust in the Budget process

Speaking before the Treasury select committee, Reeves said she took the decision to launch the investigation because of the seriousness of the issue. She stressed that leaks erode trust in the Budget process by giving partial or inaccurate impressions of government plans. According to her, speculation based on leaks can shift expectations, influence investments and cause unnecessary anxiety. She made clear that such behaviour cannot be allowed to continue if the government wants to maintain credibility and ensure that tax and spending decisions are communicated properly. Reeves described the leaks as very damaging not only to her own work but to the wider functioning of Parliament.

Pressure grows as MPs call for tighter controls

The string of leaks has led to calls from MPs across the political spectrum for stronger safeguards on Budget information. Many lawmakers argue that Ministers, advisers and officials must follow strict procedures to ensure that financial plans remain confidential until delivered in the House of Commons. Some MPs suggested that the frequency of leaks shows a cultural problem inside government, where political pressure and internal disagreements may encourage individuals to share information prematurely. Reeves told the committee she is determined to restore discipline and ensure that the Budget process is handled with the seriousness it deserves.

Why Budget leaks can have real world consequences

Although leaks may seem like routine political gossip, they can have far reaching consequences. Markets react quickly to hints of tax changes, and households may alter spending decisions if they believe their income will be affected. Businesses preparing investment plans may also hesitate when confronted with uncertain or contradictory information. Reeves emphasised that the Budget is one of the most important moments in the financial year, and any attempt to undermine its clarity can create instability. Ensuring that announcements are made in an orderly fashion is essential for public confidence and economic stability.

A commitment to preventing future breaches

Reeves assured MPs that she is taking steps to prevent similar incidents in future. Although she did not detail the measures, she made clear that both internal systems and communication protocols will be reviewed. She said that ministers and advisers must understand the seriousness of protecting budgetary information, and she promised that anyone found responsible for leaking will face consequences. Her comments reflect a broader push to restore respect for parliamentary procedure and rebuild public trust in government decision making.

A warning that discipline must be restored

The Chancellor’s appearance before the committee served as a reminder that even experienced governments can be destabilised by carelessness or internal divisions. Reeves insisted that the Budget should be presented to Parliament first and not drip fed through unattributed briefings. As the investigation continues, she hopes that a clearer understanding of what went wrong will help prevent a repeat of the chaotic lead up to last month’s Budget. For Reeves, the message is simple: the integrity of the process must be protected.