A high-ranking cybersecurity official has been assigned to investigate a breach involving the Budget leak, with indications pointing to potential external involvement. The Office for Budget Responsibility, typically held in high regard, faced scrutiny after the premature online disclosure of Rachel Reeves’ annual tax and spending proposals earlier this week.
Richard Hughes, the OBR’s chair, expressed deep regret over the incident and extended apologies to the Chancellor. During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Hughes disclosed that the leaked documents were not directly posted on the OBR website but were accessible through an external link, prompting the launch of a comprehensive inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the breach.
Hughes announced that the investigation would enlist the expertise of Professor Ciaran Martin, the former head of the National Cyber Security Centre. Addressing an event with the Resolution Foundation think tank, Hughes affirmed his willingness to resign if both the Chancellor and the Commons committee lost faith in his leadership following the security breach. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Hughes emphasized the thoroughness and urgency of the ongoing investigation, with a report expected by early next week.
Acknowledging a prior statement attributing the incident to a “technical error” within the organization, the OBR reiterated its apology for the premature disclosure. While Rachel Reeves expressed continued confidence in Hughes despite the breach, she emphasized the necessity to prevent such leaks from recurring in the future. The Chancellor, acknowledging the seriousness of the breach, accepted Hughes’ apology and highlighted the importance of the OBR’s work while underscoring the need for heightened vigilance to prevent similar incidents.
Reeves disclosed that she was made aware of the premature release while in the House of Commons preparing for the Budget announcement, underscoring the disruptive nature of the breach.