House of Commons · Urgent Question
03 December 2025 · 19 other contributors
Opened by Mel Stride Con Central Devon
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Mel Stride raised concerns about obr resignation of chair 2025-12-03 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the circumstances surrounding Richard Hughes' resignation as chair of the OBR? What discussions did the Treasury, including the Chancellor, have with Mr Hughes immediately prior to his resignation? Did the Chancellor give Mr Hughes her full confidence and was any pressure put on him to resign?
Question
Does the Chancellor agree with the OBR's opinion that leaks and briefings about forecasts damaged growth? If so, what action was taken by the Treasury regarding those leaks?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that the publication of the OBR letter was agreed to by the Chancellor. He stated it is untrue that there has been pressure on Mr Hughes to resign or a lack of confidence from the Chancellor.
Question
Will anyone responsible for leaks be held accountable? If so, will they follow Richard Hughes' lead in taking responsibility?
Minister reply
The Minister stated that the Treasury is committed to a leak inquiry under way with full support from the Chancellor. He did not speculate on the outcome of the inquiry.
Question
Will there be a timeline for decisions regarding how matters will be managed in future and how the OBR website will be operated securely?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that the Treasury is focused on ensuring stronger information security for future forecasts. The OBR's budget has increased by 45% since 2021-22, with full discretion over its use.
Question
How can long-termism be ensured in UK fiscal institutions despite the focus on headroom?
Minister reply
The Minister stated that increasing headroom to £21.7 billion is critical for reducing borrowing costs and protecting against future shocks. The OBR's spring forecast will not include an assessment of Government performance against fiscal rules.
Question
Should all communications between the Chancellor and the OBR be in deep private to prevent leaks? Can this promise be made for future Budgets?
Minister reply
The Minister disagreed with the suggestion of limiting communications. He stated that maintaining a private space for conversations is important, but it would not become usual practice.
Question
Does the Minister agree that Professor Miles' testimony supports the Chancellor's remarks on 4 November being consistent with OBR forecasts?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that Professor Miles stated the £4 billion in the pre-measures forecast is not inconsistent with a challenging fiscal position.
Question
Will the person nominated to succeed Richard Hughes have to be endorsed by the Treasury Committee and will they commit to someone of equal independence?
Minister reply
The Minister did not provide a direct answer but emphasised the importance of maintaining OBR’s independence.
Question
What specific actions does the Minister believe the OBR should take to overcome security issues highlighted in their investigation report? Does he agree confidence is possible in an independent OBR alongside meaningful scrutiny?
Minister reply
The OBR's integrity and trust are vital, as acknowledged by strengthening its role. Steps include working with NCSC on a forensic examination of potential premature access at previous fiscal events. The OBR report identified no evidence of hostile cyber-activity but found concerning issues in past forecasts.
Question
Given the unique circumstances, should future Budgets include a letter outlining discussions with the Chancellor to set expectations and ensure accurate press coverage?
Minister reply
The publication of an OBR letter was agreed upon for this specific case due to the context. However, it will not become usual practice as maintaining private space for discussion is crucial.
Question
Can the Chief Secretary rule out foreign actors exploiting OBR's inadequate security at any point?
Minister reply
The report found no evidence of hostile cyber-activity but identified premature access issues in previous fiscal events. A forensic examination will be conducted to address this.
Question
Does the Minister think the case of Labour Chancellor Hugh Dalton, who resigned for inadvertently leaking a single sentence, holds any lessons or examples of conduct for the current Chancellor?
Minister reply
The OBR's premature publication is not a narrow matter but a serious leak. The Government takes it seriously and disagrees with downplaying its gravity.
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that while recent events are serious, we have taken action within a week compared to living consequences of the Conservatives' mini-Budget decisions?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct; people still face consequences from previous Budgets. The fiscal lock now prevents sidelining OBR's role in our framework.
Question
Will the Minister commit to seeking views of incoming OBR chair on economic and fiscal impacts before proceeding with legislation changes announced in the Budget?
Minister reply
The OBR is required to produce two forecasts a year. The Chancellor will commission a second forecast, but without an assessment against fiscal rules or a response from Government.
Question
Was the Minister surprised to find out that sensitive documents were managed using WordPress? What reassurances does he have for constituents about future document protection?
Minister reply
Surprised by OBR's report revealing systemic issues. IT systems had functionality for greater security but were not configured correctly, emphasising a need for better information security.
Question
Does the recruitment process present an opportunity to reflect on what OBR needs in terms of skills, shape, and role for next five, ten, fifteen or twenty years?
Minister reply
While convinced there are ways to deliver guardrails without OBR, the Chief Secretary and Chancellor aim to strengthen its roles through this process.
Question
Why did the Chancellor selectively leak information from OBR to justify tax rises?
Minister reply
The productivity downgrade reduced tax receipts by £16 billion, and the cause was identified as previous government policies. The need for increased headroom in public finances justified the tax rises announced in the Budget.
Question
When do the Government expect to receive a report back from the cyber-security expert, and what interim measures are being taken?
Minister reply
The Government will work urgently with the National Cyber Security Centre to implement recommendations. The OBR's role in maintaining public trust is critical, and security systems will be improved.
Question
What steps will be taken to ensure full transparency around this resignation and safeguard trust in the OBR’s future work?
Minister reply
The Government takes these matters seriously, ensuring robust and transparent fiscal frameworks. The importance of trust in public finances is acknowledged, and measures are being implemented urgently.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged that Richard Hughes resigned as chair of the OBR following a leak of budget information. He stated that the decision for Mr Hughes' resignation was his own and not influenced by external pressures or lack of confidence from the Chancellor. The publication of the OBR's letter was agreed to by the Chancellor, and it is untrue to suggest otherwise. The Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining the OBR’s independence and its role in the fiscal framework. A leak inquiry is underway with full support from the Treasury team.