Starmer Vows to Uncover Sources of Budget Leaks

The Prime Minister has pledged to thoroughly investigate the origins of recent damaging leaks pertaining to the Budget and criticisms directed at his Cabinet.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves informed Members of Parliament last week that unauthorized disclosures suggesting she had scrapped plans to raise income tax rates were being looked into, with an inquiry already underway.

During a session with the Liaison Committee, which includes chairs from all select committees, Sir Keir Starmer expressed doubt that the leaks originated from his office.

Recent Embarrassments for the Government

Questions raised by MPs included concerns over the standards upheld in public life, particularly regarding whether ministers were willing to face scrutiny by addressing questions in Parliament.

The government has recently endured a series of embarrassing incidents, including reports of a conspiracy involving Health Secretary Wes Streeting aimed at seizing leadership, which emerged in early November.

This was soon followed by media coverage speculating about a potential reversal on income tax in the Budget, along with the unusual early release of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) response to Reeves’ Budget before her presentation in the Commons.

Investigation into Leaks

In response to inquiries from Dame Meg Hillier, the chair of the Liaison Committee, Sir Keir labeled the leaks as “intolerable” and confirmed an ongoing investigation into the Budget-related disclosures.

“I have no evidence suggesting a leak from No 10,” Starmer stated.

When asked if he would consider dismissing anyone found responsible for the leaks, the Prime Minister indicated that he had taken similar actions in the past and would not hesitate to implement appropriate measures following the investigation.

“I will get to the bottom of these leaks; they are unacceptable in any organization,” he affirmed.

He noted that during his tenure as head of the Crown Prosecution Service, he had acted decisively in response to leaks.

Defending Staff and Ensuring Accountability

Facing pressure to defend his Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, amid accusations from some governmental figures blaming him for the anti-Streeting briefing, sources indicated that McSweeney would remain in his position.

Sir Keir reiterated his stance that any briefings against Cabinet members are “completely unacceptable,” emphasizing that he has instituted measures to prevent such occurrences.

Conservative MP Alberto Costa criticized leaks from within Number 10, suggesting they indicated a loss of control over Downing Street operations.

When pressed by Costa regarding his belief that the leaks did not originate from No 10, the Prime Minister responded, “I received assurances from various levels within Downing Street, from different members of my team.”

When asked if these assurances came from officials or special advisors, Sir Keir replied, “Special advisors – I’m reluctant to name specific staff members, but I can say that I did not simply accept everything at face value.”

He added that he had examined various pieces of evidence to substantiate his public statements to the media.

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