Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of lacking transparency after ministers refused to allow the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to independently assess Labour's election manifesto pledges.
In a fiery statement, Reeves condemned the decision as "deeply irresponsible," warning that it undermines public trust in economic policy. "The Conservatives are running scared of independent scrutiny," she declared.
OBR Lockout Sparks Outrage
The row erupted after Treasury officials confirmed the OBR would not be permitted to cost opposition policies - despite doing so for government proposals. This comes just months after the fiscal watchdog exposed a £46bn black hole in Liz Truss's disastrous mini-budget.
"They're happy to use the OBR when it suits them," Reeves noted, "but when it comes to proper accountability, they slam the door shut."
Credibility Crisis Looms
Political analysts suggest the move reflects growing Conservative anxiety about Labour's steady lead in economic competence polling. Recent surveys show:
- 52% trust Labour more on economic growth
- 48% prefer Labour's approach to inflation
- Only 28% back current government fiscal policies
With the election approaching, economists warn that blocking OBR scrutiny risks creating a "wild west" of uncosted promises from all parties.
What Happens Next?
Reeves has vowed to maintain pressure on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, demanding:
- Full OBR access to all major party manifestos
- Parliamentary debate on fiscal transparency
- Cross-party agreement on economic scrutiny standards
As Westminster braces for election battle, this controversy puts economic credibility squarely at the centre of the political debate.
