Chancellor Rachel Reeves has denied misleading the public about the reasons for tax rises in last week's budget, as opposition MPs call for her resignation. Speaking on Sunday, Reeves insisted the £26bn tax increase was necessary to build economic resilience and protect public spending.
Her justification contrasts with pre-budget statements, where she cited expected downgrades by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) as the reason for tax rises. However, the OBR's subsequent report showed that strong wage growth and tax receipts offset the productivity downgrade, sparking accusations of misrepresentation.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for Reeves's resignation, accusing her of misleading the public. Badenoch also defended her personal criticism of Reeves in the Commons, saying her role is to hold the government to account. Reeves said she felt 'uncomfortable' with the personal nature of the attacks.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to defend Reeves in a speech on Monday, praising the budget for reducing cost of living pressures and announcing new growth measures. Downing Street has rejected claims of misleading, stating the need for revenue was clear from OBR figures.
