Westminster witnessed a day of extraordinary political drama and squirming discomfort, as the fallout from the Budget and a major resignation sent shockwaves through the corridors of power.
A Day of Wriggling and Leaks
The political scene was compared to a worm farm, with figures writhing under pressure. The day began with Sir Keir Starmer holding a morning press conference at a community centre near the Thames. The Labour leader, appearing strained, made a series of bold claims about borrowing and bringing stability to public affairs. His delivery was notably tense, with pronunciations like 'challenge' becoming 'chullenge' and 'massive' turning to 'mussive'.
He repeatedly emphasised his 'moral mission' and a commitment to 'beat the forecasts', marking a stark shift from Labour's traditional reverence for Whitehall number-crunchers, now seemingly viewed as adversaries. In a telling slip, Starmer referred to fiscal 'headroom' as 'hedgeroom'.
Treasury Statement Descends into Farce
After lunch, the focus shifted to the Commons, where Treasury Chief Secretary James Murray arrived to address leaked Budget details. His pale, solemn demeanour drew unflattering comparisons. As he gravely explained a computer error at the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), news broke that the OBR's chairman, Richard Hughes, had been 'chopped' – his departure announced.
Mr Murray's subsequent attempt to pay tribute, offering 'thanks for his dedication to public service', was met with yelps of mirth from Opposition MPs, who viewed his performance as a transparent squirm. The statement was so delayed it caused a suspension of the House, typically a sign of panic behind the scenes.
Side-Shows and Accusations
While the Treasury floundered, other figures added to the circus atmosphere. Junior minister Torsten Bell spent time whispering and giggling with a climate minister before making a theatrical exit. Elsewhere, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch addressed a room of accountants at the Chartered Accountants' Hall.
She directly criticised Sir Keir's handling of the Budget, stating a chief executive would be sacked for similar conduct. When asked by the Financial Times if she still accused Chancellor Rachel Reeves of being a liar, Badenoch's one-word reply – 'Yes' – drew roaring laughter from the normally sedate audience.
Fallout and a Ship Adrift
The overall picture was one of a government struggling to regain control. With the Chancellor away at a 'Wales investment summit', the RMS Starmer was described as going in circles, some crew allegedly trying to scuttle the ship. The abrupt departure of OBR chief Richard Hughes, who was due to give evidence to the Treasury committee, left a significant vacuum and two ends of a key institution 'waggling in the wind'.
This post-Budget Monday, instead of showcasing confident governance, revealed a deeply unstable and fractious political environment, with accusations of dishonesty flying, key institutions in disarray, and the main players seemingly unable to steady the ship.
