The Office for Budget Responsibility has said leadership must take “immediate steps to change completely” how it publishes twice-yearly reports containing sensitive forecasts after it mistakenly released an analysis of the Budget early.
Details of Wednesday’s Budget were mistakenly released to the public almost an hour early when official forecasts from the OBR were uploaded to the watchdog’s website.
The Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO) document appeared online before the chancellor delivered her Budget, a significant blunder that prompted an immediate investigation by OBR chair Richard Hughes.
In the damning report of the leak, the OBR said it was “the worst failure in the 15-year history of the OBR. It was seriously disruptive to the Chancellor, who had every right to expect that the EFO would not be publicly available until she sat down at the end of her Budget speech, when it should, as is usual, have been published alongside the Treasury’s explanatory Red Book.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has maintained her support for Mr Hughes in spite of the leak, as she said she continues to have “a huge amount of respect” for both him and his organisation.
Read MoreBlow for Reeves as business confidence at near record low after Budget
Why Starmer thinks he’s got Rayner and the left on the run
Rachel Reeves is misleading people about her Budget choices – and Starmer could fall with her
Key Points
- Budget was a 'moment of personal pride for me', says Starmer
- Starmer outlines fresh push for welfare reform
- Defiant Starmer defends Budget in speech
- Starmer denies misleading Cabinet and the public over state of Britain's public finances
- Ministers demand answers of Reeves after 'misleading' statements
OBR leadership must change how time sensitive documents are published
14:57 , Bryony GoochThe report has found that leadership of the Office of Budget Responsibility must take “immediate steps” to change the how the time-sensitive documents are published.
“The leadership of the OBR must take immediate steps to change completely the publication arrangements for the two important and time-sensitive documents containing the results of its biannual forecasts that it publishes in a normal year, and review arrangements for all other publications.”
OBR leak was not caused by 'hostile cyber activity'
14:46 , Bryony GoochDetailed reports from the security operations centre confirm the absence of any hostile cyber activity, or any malfeasance from within the OBR, according to the report from the Office of Budget Responsibility.
Stay tuned for the latest updates.
OBR calls leak 'worst failure in 15 year history'
14:44 , Bryony GoochThe Office of Budget Responsibility has released its report into leaked details from the Budget last week.
The report has called the leak the “worst failure in the 15-year history of the OBR. It was seriously disruptive to the Chancellor who had every right to expect that the EFO would not be publicly available until she sat down at the end of her Budget speech.”
OBR to imminently publish analysis of Budget
14:18 , Bryony GoochThe Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will imminently publish a report into how it published its analysis of the Budget early.
The watchdog has said it would publish the report on the investigation into the November 2025 Economic and fiscal outlook (EFO) publication error at 2.30pm.
Stay tuned for its findings.
Analysis: Starmer’s priorities have changed. He needs to be honest about why
14:15 , Bryony GoochThe prime minister’s claim that he always wanted to scrap the two-child benefit cap will cast doubt on his attempt to reassure voters - and his own cabinet colleagues - that he and the chancellor told the truth about tax rises, writes political editor David Maddox.
Read more here:
Starmer’s priorities have changed. He needs to be honest about why
Watch: Starmer denies misleading Cabinet and the public over state of Britain's public finances
14:00 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer making his speech at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London
13:47 , Bryony Gooch Government to make a statement on OBR forecasts at 3.30pm
13:26 , Bryony GoochThe Government will make a statement to Parliament on forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray will make the ministerial statement to the House of Commons, scheduled to take place after 3.30pm.
Labour refuges to recognise corruption judgment against Tulip Siddiq
13:15 , Bryony GoochThe Labour Party has said it does not recognise the corruption judgment against MP Tulip Siddiq after a Bangladeshi court sentenced her to two years in prison.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party and all our elected representatives take the rule of law incredibly seriously and will always fulfil our legal responsibilities.
“As has been reported, highly regarded senior legal professionals have highlighted that Tulip Siddiq has not had access to a fair legal process in this case and has never been informed of the details of the charges against her.
“This is despite repeated requests made to the Bangladeshi authorities through her legal team.
“Anyone facing any charge should always be afforded the right to make legal representations when allegations are made against them.
“Given that has not happened in this case, we cannot recognise this judgment.”
Watch: Starmer vows to 'reform' welfare state that is 'trapping people' in poverty
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSwinney: Reeves ‘very clearly’ misled the public ahead of the Budget
12:48 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJohn Swinney has said Rachel Reeves has “very clearly” misled the public over the state of the UK’s finances ahead of the Budget.
The first minister said the chancellor had described the fiscal situation as being “much graver than it actually was” in the run-up to last week’s Budget.
Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Reeves have denied misleading the public, saying they did initially believe they may need to break their manifesto pledge not to raise the basic rates of income tax.
Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana dropped as Your Party leaders
12:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana will be dropped as Your Party leaders after members voted that a “collective” headed by a non-MP should make major decisions about its future.
A second option, for a traditional single leader, which would have seen Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana battle it out to head the new left-wing party they founded earlier this year, was also rejected by members.
Instead, by a small margin of 51.6 to 48.4 per cent, they voted that the party should, for its first two years, embrace a "collective” member-led leadership model, not led by an MP.
The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin has more below...
Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana dropped as Your Party leaders
Comment: Why Your Party will end up as no one’s party
12:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane Why Your Party will end up as no one’s party
Three former Tory MPs defect to Farage’s Reform
12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThree former Tory MPs have defected to Reform UK this morning, according to a source within Nigel Farage’s party.
Jonathan Gullis, who represented Stoke-on-Trent North, Lia Nici, who served as Grimsby MP, and former Bolton West Tory MP Chris Green have all joined “on their own accord online”, a Reform party source confirmed to PA.
You can read more below:
Three former Tory MPs defect to Farage’s Reform
OBR set to publish report into Budget leak this afternoon
11:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will publish a report this afternoon into how it published its analysis of the Budget early.
The watchdog said it would publish the report on the investigation into the November 2025 Economic and fiscal outlook (EFO) publication error at 14:30.
'The cabinet are briefed on the morning of the Budget': Reeves insists she did not mislead ministers
11:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneChancellor Rachel Reeves has responded to claims that she misled cabinet ministers about the Budget.
Members of Sir Keir Starmer’s top team have reportedly accused him and Ms Reeves of misleading the cabinet, with The Times quoting an unnamed minister as describing the handling of the Budget as “a disaster from start to finish”.
“At no point were the cabinet told about the reality of the OBR forecasts,” they told the newspaper.
Speaking to BBC Wales at the Wales Investment Summit, the chancellor said: “You would never expect the prime minister and chancellor to go through all the detailed numbers.
“The cabinet are briefed on the morning of the Budget on the Budget numbers.
“Of course, we go through things that affect individual government departments, but the whole information of the Budget is not supposed to be provided until the chancellor delivers the Budget.
“Obviously, this time, it was leaked early, but not by the Treasury.”
Sir Keir Starmer ends his speech
11:18 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe prime minister has ended his speech in London this morning.
Broadly, he used his time to defend Rachel Reeves’ Budget and insisted his government had not misled the public over economic forecasts.
He also spoke passionately about his “moral mission” to cut child poverty and help young people get into work and education.
Another feature of the speech was Brexit and Britain’s relationship with the EU. Sir Keir said the economy had been “significantly hurt” by the Brexit deal and that we must keep moving towards a closer relationship with the EU.
OBR made 'serious error' releasing Budget early, PM says
11:09 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has denied he is “very angry” at the timing of the OBR’s productivity downgrade.
He adds he is “bemused” why it was not done at the end of the last government, saying he has been forced to “pick up the tab of the last government’s failure”.
He says he is “very supportive of the OBR” but that the early release of the Budget was a “serious error”.
But he insists he is “confident” Labour will beat the OBR’s economic forecasts.
Starmer denies misleading Cabinet and the public over state of Britain's public finances
11:01 , Joe MiddletonThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has denied misleading his Cabinet over the state of Britain's public finances ahead of the Budget amid allegations the chancellor misled the public over the size of the fiscal black hole she faced.
The prime minister said: “There was no misleading and I simply don’t accept, and I was receiving the numbers, that being told that the OBR productivity review means you’ve got £16bn less than you would otherwise had shows you’ve got an easy starting point.“Yes of course all the other figures have to be taken into account, but we started the process with significantly less than we would otherwise have had.
“That productivity review or a review like that hasn’t been done I think for 15 years, it’s not annual exercise.“I’m not sure why it wasn’t done at the end of the last government if I’m honest about it, because that would have seemed a sensible time to do it. But it was done.”
'I'd defend Budget any day of the week,' Starmer says
10:59 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer says he would defend Rachel Reeves’ Budget “any day of the week” as he references cuts to energy bills.
“They’re the right steps for our country and I’m proud that we’ve taken them,” he says.
Welfare reforms a 'moral mission', Starmer says
10:57 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has said he believes Labour’s work on welfare reform, particularly for young people not in work or education, is a “moral mission”.
“I don’t think we can simply leave the best part of a million young people not earning or learning and walk past it,” he adds.
Starmer outlines fresh push for welfare reform
10:55 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer has outlined his fresh push for welfare reform, months after his government was forced to u-turn on previous measures.
In a speech on Monday morning, the prime minister said the welfare system has “trapped people in poverty”, providing a “barrier to potential”.
“And so while we will invest in apprenticeships and make sure young people without a job have a guaranteed offer of training or work, we must also reform the welfare state itself – that is what renewal demands,” he said.
“Now – this is not about propping up a broken status quo. Nor is it because we want to look somehow politically ‘tough’.”
He said he had asked Alan Milburn to report on the issue of young people, inactivity and work.
“We need to remove all the barriers which hold back the potential of our young people,” he said.
“Because if you are ignored that early in your career, if you’re not given the support you need to overcome your mental health issues, or if you are simply written off because you’re neurodivergent or disabled, then it can trap you in a cycle of worklessness and dependency for decades.”
Sir Keir Starmer denies misleading public over fiscal forecasts
10:51 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe prime minister is now taking questions from the press.
The BBC’s Chris Mason asks him if he accepts allegations that Rachel Reeves “misled” the public over economic forecasts prior to the Budget.
He insists he had seriously believed Labour may need to breach its manifesto pledge not to raise the basic rate of income tax, but later realised this could be avoided.
“I was determined we needed to have bigger headroom than we did last time,” he says.
Brexit deal 'significantly hurt the economy', PM says
10:47 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has said that Britain’s Brexit deal “significantly hurt the economy”.
“We must all confront the reality that the Brexit deal we had significantly hurt our economy,” he says.
The prime minister adds that we must keep moving to a closer relationship with the EU in order to optimise trade.
Starmer says he will 'clear the path' for British business
10:44 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has said he will “clear the path” for British business
“For years Britain did not have a proper industrial strategy,” Starmer says.
He tells his audience he is rooting out “excessive costs in every corner of our economy,” which he says will create more “dynamic” paths for business.
Analysis: Starmer's priorities have changed
10:44 , Joe MiddletonThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
When he was elected ending the two child benefit cap was such a low priority that he told Labour MPs it was unaffordable.
Worse than that he suspended MPs from the parliamentary party for voting for this measure.Instead he and Rachel Reeves wanted to prioritise economic growth as the number 1 mission.
Roll on 18 months with his job on the line Starmer is focussing on the decision to end the two child benefit cap and calls it a matter of pride.Meanwhile, economic growth is barely a footnote in his speech.What has changed?
Cynics will point to a welfare rebellion and threats of a couple by Labour MPs.
Labour giving every child best start in life, PM says
10:41 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has insisted Labour are giving every child the “best start in life”.
“We’re giving every child the best start in life, every single child equal at the starting line of their education,” he says.
“That’s what a Labour government is for.”
Starmer: Energy policy 'not just money'
10:41 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer is outlining how some of his government’s Budget decisions will help children across the country.
He pointed to his energy policy, which he says will see families save £150 off their energy bill, or £300 if they are “really struggling”.
“Think about what that means for a family, worried about whether to put the heating on on a cold day. Or worried if they put it on for too long, they might have to cancel a day out with their kids,” he said.
“It’s not just money, it’s security, it’s having the freedom to make choices that help your family.”
Starmer: Britain is now back on track
10:40 , Joe MiddletonThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
"Britain is now back on track", Sir Keir Starmer has insisted, as he argued the Budget "confronted reality".
He promised the nation has now "walked the narrowest part of the tunnel", saying that the benefits of Labour's policies will be felt in the coming months despite concern over Britain's ailing economic growth.
"The public finances and our public services are moving in the right direction because we confronted reality, we took control of our future, and Britain is now back on track", the prime minister said.
"And look, I'm also confident we have now walked through the narrowest part of the tunnel, because while I know it's still hard for lots of people, while I know the cost of living crisis is not going to work, in the year ahead, you will see the benefits of our approach, and not just in the national statistics, but in your communities."
Keir Starmer touts Labour victories as 'record to be proud of'
10:38 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has insisted Labour has a “record to be proud of” as he speaks this morning.
He highlighted cutting NHS waiting times, immigration, and child poverty, and said Britain is now cutting borrowing faster than any other G7 country without cutting public investment.
Budget was a 'moment of personal pride for me', says Starmer
10:36 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has launched a defence of the chancellor's Budget, saying it was a "moment of personal pride for me".
Pointing to the government's decision to lift the two child benefit cap, he said poverty is "not only abhorrent, it’s also counterproductive", arguing that easing poverty will reduce pressure on the NHS, unlock economic potential and increase fairness in Britain.
He said: "It is a fundamental British belief that every child should go as far as their talent will take them. And poverty is a barrier to that.
“The Tories raised child poverty by 900,000. 900,000 children. That is their worst legacy bar none.
"It's not just abhorrent, its also counterproductive."
'A Britain built for all': A new Labour slogan?
10:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer begins his speech by speaking about a visit to a nursery he made this morning.
“We have a plan for a Britain that is built for all and we are going to unlock the potential of every single person and community in this country,” he says.
The prime minister is stood at a podium that bears the slogan “A Britain built for all” as he aims to justify Rachel Reeves’ Budget.
Sir Keir Starmer takes to stage
10:28 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has taken to the stage to begin his speech from central London this morning.
We will bring you all the latest in this blog. You can also watch live below.
Watch live: Starmer defends Budget after claims Reeves misled public over tax hikes
Former Conservative MP joins Reform UK
10:27 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA former Conservative MPs has defected to Reform UK, according to reports this morning.
Jonathan Gullis has decided to move to Nigel Farage’s party.
In a post on his Facebook page, Mr Gullis said: “Today, I am pleased to be joining Reform UK. Leaving the Conservative Party after 18 years is not a decision I have taken lightly. Over time, I have watched a party I once believed in lose touch with the people it was meant to serve.
“From failing to control both legal and illegal migration to pursuing a net zero agenda that has seen a rise in our household energy bills and put jobs in Stoke-on-Trent’s world-famous ceramics sector at risk, the Conservative Party has understandably lost the trust of the British people.”
Downing Street gives a preview of Starmer speech
10:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
The PM is expected to tackle welfare head on today in his speech on the Budget.
It means another potential clash with his backbenchers as he tries to bring the burgeoning cost of benefits down.
But an hour before Sir Keir Starmer's speech Downing Street has issued a preview on X. It said: "We are building a fairer economy by:
"Cutting the cost of living with cheaper energy bills, frozen rail fares and prescription fees. Investing in the NHS to drive growth. Tackling the scourge of child poverty by removing the two child limit.
"Making sure the revenue raised through taxes is fair, with everyone contributing, but those with the broadest shoulders contributing more.
"These choices will create a more stable future for our country."
We are building a fairer economy by:
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) December 1, 2025
Cutting the cost of living with cheaper energy bills, frozen rail fares and prescription fees.
Investing in the NHS to drive growth.
Tackling the scourge of child poverty by removing the two child limit.
Making sure the revenue raised…
Starmer signals fresh push on welfare reform in bid to move on from Budget row
10:12 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer will use a speech backing the Budget to signal a fresh push on welfare reform, as a row simmers on about whether Rachel Reeves misled the public over the state of the public finances.
The Prime Minister will say an overhaul of the welfare system is needed after he was forced to abandon cuts planned earlier this year in the face of a major backbench rebellion.
“We have to confront the reality that our welfare state is trapping people, not just in poverty, but out of work,” the Labour leader will say on Monday, arguing reforms are not aimed at making him “look somehow politically ‘tough’”, but at reversing low productivity.
You can read more below...
Starmer signals fresh push on welfare reform in bid to move on from Budget row
Watch: Darren Jones defends Rachel Reeves’ Budget amid row over whether she misled public
09:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnalysis: The real question is whether Starmer can survive
09:39 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
People arriving at Keir Starmer's big speech are asking one question: Is this end of days for the PM and his government?
The budget last week was supposed to draw a line under the Labour government's troubles but has been the political equivalent of pouring petrol on to the fire.
Now added to the chaotic government, terrible polls and backbench is discontent is a serious question of probity.
Did the PM and his chancellor Rachel Reeves deliberately mislead people ahead of the Budget?
Starmer is giving a speech today to save his political career and beleaguered government. It really is make or break.
Sir Keir Starmer set to give speech at 10:30am
09:37 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe prime minister is expected to give a speech backing Rachel Reeves’ Budget and paving the way for future welfare reforms at 10:30am on Monday morning.
In the speech, he will defend the chancellor’s decision to spend billions more on benefits, and argue that Ms Reeves has provided economic stability by raising billions of pounds more in so-called fiscal “headroom” to protect against future market shocks.
PM has a message with his speech location
09:34 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Keir Starmer has decided to come to the City of London to make his speech.
The prime minister will be only too aware of the impact on business confidence of last week's Budget.
Added to that there is a shadow cast by allegations that he and his chancellor tried to trick the markets in the run up.
But the prime minister has also found a spot in the midst of the wealth that deals with community needs. The message is that the rich will need to pay for the benefits of the less well off.
PM could face leadership challenge from Scottish MPs, reports say
09:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe prime minister could face a leadership challenge from Scottish MPs who fear the party will be “slaughtered” in May’s Holyrood elections, it has been reported.
Senior party sources in Westminster told The Times the prime minister was “very unpopular” with voters on the doorstep, which could threaten Labour’s ability to challenge the SNP.
The paper reports some Scottish MPs want to launch a coup against Sir Keir in the new year, which they say gives them a short window of opportunity to replace him with someone more popular in Scotland.
Labour Party 'does not recognise' Siddiq corruption judgment
09:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Labour Party has said it does not recognise the corruption judgment against MP Tulip Siddiq after a Bangladeshi court sentenced her to two years in prison.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party and all our elected representatives take the rule of law incredibly seriously and will always fulfil our legal responsibilities.
“As has been reported, highly regarded senior legal professionals have highlighted that Tulip Siddiq has not had access to a fair legal process in this case and has never been informed of the details of the charges against her.
“This is despite repeated requests made to the Bangladeshi authorities through her legal team.
“Anyone facing any charge should always be afforded the right to make legal representations when allegations are made against them.
“Given that has not happened in this case, we cannot recognise this judgment.”
Analysis: Stock market reports low-key start to the week
09:04 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s business and money editor Karl Matchett reports:
A low-key start in the stock market for the week, with the FTSE 100 down 0.1 per cent. No real concern there, considering the index rose across last week and is sitting only slightly lower than all-time highs, but aerospace and weapons manufacturers are dragging down this morning with Melrose (-3.3%), BAE Systems (-1.7%) and Babcock International (-1.7%) among the biggest fallers so far.
Last week the big question was over how the bond market would react to the Budget; this morning the 10-year gilt yield is showing a small spike, sitting at 4.48%, but again this is notably lower than brief moments last week (read: OBR's absurd early leak) when the yield moved far closer to 4.6%. Bitcoin, meanwhile, is enduring another near-5% drop and sits at $86,800 this morning.
Comment: Rachel Reeves is misleading people about her Budget choices – and Starmer could fall with her
09:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane Rachel Reeves is misleading people about her Budget choices
Budget will damage growth, economists warn
08:49 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEconomists have warned that Rachel Reeves’ decision to freeze income tax thresholds will damage Britain’s economic growth.
KPMG has said growth will slow to just 1pc in 2026, down from previous forecasts of 1.1pc before last week’s Budget.
Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG UK, told The Telegraph: “With ongoing headwinds continuing to weigh on household activity, consumer spending is likely to remain subdued over the coming year.
“Although the autumn Budget avoided front-loaded tax hikes, the decision to maintain frozen tax thresholds until 2031 means that fiscal drag will persist.”
Ministers demand answers of Reeves after 'misleading' statements pre-Budget
08:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMinisters are reportedly demanding answers of Rachel Reeves amid accusations she “misled” the cabinet and the public in the run-up to the Budget.
The chancellor is accused of telling ministers she must “respond to the world as it is now, not as she might wish it to be,” despite knowing she had a £4bn surplus.
According to reports in The Times only Ms Reeves and the prime minister knew of the more optimistic forecast.
Starmer says Labour's economic plan will take 'years' to deliver
08:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe prime minister has said his party’s economic plan will take “years” to deliver in full.
In an interview with The Guardian on Sunday, he said his long-term plan should be judged at the end of his time in parliament and backed his chancellor Rachel Reeves.
He is expected to bolster his argument in a speech on Monday, where he will say: “By having a clear mission to renew our economy, our communities and our state we will deliver the change we promised and then be judged on it at the next election.”
Defiant Starmer to defend Budget after Reeves forced to deny lying about black hole to justify tax hikes
08:12 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer will issue a defiant defence of the Budget on Monday after Rachel Reeves was forced to deny having lied about the state of the country’s finances in an effort to justify her £26bn worth of tax hikes.
In what will be seen as an attempt to prop up his embattled chancellor, the prime minister will on Monday argue that Ms Reeves has provided economic stability by raising billions of pounds more in so-called fiscal “headroom” to protect against future market shocks.
He will also defend her decision to spend billions more on benefits, rejecting the notion of trying to look “tough” on welfare for the sake of politics – although he will also pledge to reform the system and get more young people who are currently signed off sick into work.
The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin has the full story below...
PM to defend Budget after Reeves forced to deny lying to public to justify tax hikes
Tulip Siddiq will be 'getting on with representing her constituents', Cabinet minister says
08:07 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Tulip Siddiq will be "getting on with the job of representing her constituents in Parliament", a Cabinet minister has said after the Labour MP was sentenced by a court in Bangladesh to two years in prison for corruption involving a government land project.
Asked about the case, Darren Jones told BBC Breakfast: "This is a private matter for Tulip to talk to, but my understanding is that a trial took place in Bangladesh that she was not part of.
"She tried to engage with questions from the Bangladeshi government, but was not allowed to do so, and has concluded that this is more of a political situation than a legal situation. She continues to deny any allegations that have been made against her."
He added: "This is a decision taken by a foreign country and a foreign court. I'm sure that Tulip's going to be getting on with the job of representing her constituents in Parliament."
PM will argue there's 'a lot more to do' to boost growth, says minister
07:54 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
The prime minister will use a post-Budget speech today to argue there's 'a lot more to do' to boost growth, a Cabinet minister has said.
Addressing gloomy growth forecasts, Darren Jones told Sky News: "The key thing is that it takes too long to build things, and so we need to make it quicker. We've already put significant investment, public investment, behind capital infrastructure. We've made it easier for private sector businesses to invest in it, but still, it takes too long.
"And even though we're just finishing off our Planning Bill, there's a lot more to do, and that's what the prime minister will be talking about."
Defending the UK's growth forecasts, which were downgraded by the OBR for next year, Mr Jones said: "These are forecasts in a very challenging world. This rate of growth is actually pretty standard amongst the G7, the seven wealthiest nations in the world... and we're still performing as one of the best."
Minister insists he did not feel 'misled' by Reeves
07:41 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Cabinet minister Darren Jones insists he did not feel misled by Rachel Reeves amid growing allegations she misled the public over the size of the fiscal black hole she faced ahead of the Budget.
Asked whether he felt misled, he told Sky News: "Not in the slightest, because the OBR does about five cycles in the run up to a budget, the number moves around. You don't actually know the final number until the very end of the process.
"And all that process does is talks about how much money they think you might have coming in that you've not already allocated. That's before you get to headroom. That's the amount you put aside for a rainy day. The chancellor was very clear we needed more than we've had in the past."
Pressed on whether the chancellor misled Cabinet after it was reported she convinced ministers the public finances were in a dire state when she knew forecasts had improved, Mr Jones said: "We don't disclose minutes of cabinet meetings. But look, the chancellor didn't say anything at the time. The budget was the budget, which was delivered on the 26th of November. But as I say, she had to raise more money because, first of all, we needed the headroom."
Morning summary: PM set to back Reeves in speech
07:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGood morning and welcome to The Independent’s politics blog. Here are today’s main politics headlines:
• Sir Keir Starmer is set to back Rachel Reeves and her Budget in a speech in London this morning. It comes after Ms Reeves was accused of misleading the public by lying about economic forecasts she had received in order to justify her £26bn worth of tax hikes.
• Your Party has announced its new name after months of confusion and indecision. After a ballot at the party’s inaugural conference, Jeremy Corbyn confirmed it will continue to be called Your Party.
• A Bangladesh court has sentenced Labour MP Tulip Siddiq to two years in prison after finding her guilty of corruption over a government land project. The MP for Hampstead and Highgate, who denied the allegations, is unlikely to serve the sentence as the UK does not have an extradition treaty with Bangladesh.
Watch: Rachel Reeves denies lying about Budget black hole to justify tax hikes
Sunday 30 November 2025 22:40 , Alex CroftReeves declares she will remain as chancellor
Sunday 30 November 2025 22:39 , Alex CroftSir Keir Starmer’s speech will look to move on from a simmering row over whether chancellor Rachel Reeves lied about the scale of the government’s fiscal challenge.
During the morning media round on Sunday, Ms Reeves denied lying about the size of the Budget black hole to justify her £26bn tax hikes.
Pressed by Trevor Phillips on Sky News about whether she lied to the public by not making it clear she had a £4bn surplus instead of a deficit, she hit back, saying: “Of course I didn't”.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on Friday said it had informed the chancellor as early as September 17 that the deficit had improved, and told her in October it had been eliminated altogether, but Ms Reeves suggested tax rises were still necessary in November to tackle a £20bn gap.
The chancellor denied breaking from the manifesto while speaking to Laura Kuenssberg: “We didn't break the manifesto.
“But am I asking working people to pay a bit more? Yes, I am.”
She also affirmed that she felt she would be chancellor for years to come.
Defiant Starmer to defend Budget after Reeves forced to deny lying about black hole to justify tax hikes
Sunday 30 November 2025 22:37 , Alex CroftSir Keir Starmer will issue a defiant defence of the Budget after Rachel Reeves was forced to deny having lied about the state of the country’s finances in an effort to justify her £26bn worth of tax hikes.
In what will be seen as an attempt to prop up his embattled chancellor, the prime minister will on Monday argue that Ms Reeves has provided economic stability by raising billions of pounds more in so-called fiscal “headroom” to protect against future market shocks.
He will also defend her decision to spend billions more on benefits, rejecting the notion of trying to look “tough” on welfare for the sake of politics – although he will also pledge to reform the system and get more young people who are currently signed off sick into work.
Our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin writes:
PM to defend Budget after Reeves forced to deny lying to public to justify tax hikes
