Reeves criticises budget leaks and says income tax decision taken ‘in partnership’ with PM

Rachel Reeves, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, criticized unauthorized leaks surrounding her recent budget, deeming them "unacceptable" and damaging. Speaking before the Commons Treasury committee, Reeves revealed that a potential income tax increase, ultimately abandoned, was considered and decided upon in partnership with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. She emphasized that sufficient revenue was raised through other tax measures, negating the need for the income tax hike. The Chancellor also addressed the resignation of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) chair due to a document leak and confirmed ongoing inquiries into the budget leaks. Reeves stated that further tax increases or spending cuts remain a possibility if public finances worsen, despite the £22bn headroom in the autumn budget.

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