Starmer Vows to Investigate Leaks Surrounding Budget Controversy

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to thoroughly investigate the origins of damaging leaks concerning the Budget and his Cabinet. He stated that he is determined to uncover where these unauthorized disclosures are emerging from.

Last week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves informed MPs that recent leaks implying she had scrapped plans to raise income tax rates were not sanctioned, prompting a formal inquiry into the matter.

During a session with the Liaison Committee, which comprises the chairs of all select committees, Starmer expressed skepticism that the leaks originated from within his office.

Concerns Over Public Standards

MPs directed queries at the Prime Minister regarding the integrity of public life, particularly whether ministers were adequately accountable by responding to inquiries in Parliament. The government has recently faced a series of embarrassing revelations, including reports of a coup plot allegedly involving Health Secretary Wes Streeting earlier this month.

These incidents were quickly followed by media reports suggesting a potential reversal on income tax policy ahead of the Budget, culminating in the unusual early release of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) reactions to Reeves’ proposals before they were officially presented in the Commons.

Calls for Accountability

In response to questions from Dame Meg Hillier, chair of the Liaison Committee, Starmer labeled the leaks as “unacceptable” and confirmed that an investigation into the Budget-related leaks is currently in progress. He stated, “I have no reason to believe the leak came from No 10.”

When Hillier inquired if he would consider removing anyone responsible for the leaks, Starmer affirmed his willingness to take appropriate action once the investigation concludes, recalling that he had previously acted decisively in similar situations during his tenure as head of the Crown Prosecution Service.

“I’ll get to the bottom of these leaks; they are intolerable in any organization,” he asserted.

Defending His Team

Starmer was compelled to defend his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, after some government officials attributed blame to him for the anti-Streeting briefing. Nevertheless, reliable sources indicated that McSweeney’s position remains secure.

Upon further questioning regarding the incident, Starmer reiterated that any briefings against Cabinet members are entirely “unacceptable” and emphasized that he has instituted measures to combat such practices.

Conservative MP Alberto Costa reiterated concerns that leaks from Number 10 may indicate a loss of control over operations at Downing Street. When pressed by Costa on why he believes the leaks did not stem from within No 10, Starmer responded, “I received assurances from various levels within Downing Street, from different members of my team.”

When asked if these assurances were provided by officials or special advisors, Starmer clarified, “They were from special advisors, and while I won’t disclose staff names, I made sure to corroborate my statements with other evidence before addressing the media.”

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