The chairman of the UK's fiscal watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), has resigned following a major security breach that saw sensitive Budget details published ahead of schedule.
Resignation Follows Premature Publication
Richard Hughes submitted his resignation on Monday, 1 December 2025, after key documents relating to Chancellor Rachel Reeves's upcoming Budget were released early by the OBR. The chaotic leak caused significant embarrassment for the independent body, which is tasked with providing official economic forecasts.
The premature publication revealed sensitive details that are traditionally kept under strict embargo until the Chancellor's official statement in the House of Commons. The incident has thrown the lead-up to the crucial fiscal event into disarray and raised serious questions about internal processes at the watchdog.
Fallout from the Security Breach
The leak represents a severe breakdown in protocol for the OBR, an institution whose credibility relies on impartiality and controlled dissemination of information. The released documents, which contained analysis and forecasts central to the government's Budget, were swiftly removed, but not before being seen by journalists and political stakeholders.
This breach is particularly damaging as it undermines the carefully choreographed rollout of a government's financial plan. The Treasury relies on the OBR's independent assessments to underpin its economic policy, and such a lapse compromises the integrity of the entire Budget process.
Leadership Vacuum and Next Steps
Richard Hughes's departure creates an immediate leadership vacuum at a critical juncture. The government must now move quickly to appoint a new OBR chairman to oversee the finalisation and release of the official forecasts. The resignation underscores the high standards of conduct expected from the heads of Britain's key independent institutions.
The fallout from this incident is likely to prompt an internal review at the OBR to prevent any future premature disclosures. For Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the leak has disrupted the strategic communication of her first major Budget, forcing a recalibration of the government's messaging in the final days before the announcement.
This developing story highlights the fragile nature of Budget secrecy and the profound consequences when it is breached. The focus now shifts to the Treasury's response and the search for a successor to restore stability and confidence in the UK's economic forecasting.
