REEVES FIGHTS TO SURVIVE AMID OBR ROW – OBR chief’s sudden silence raises pressure on Reeves as scrutiny over forecasts intensifies
The Chancellor is battling to save her credibility after an extraordinary row erupted over the muted Office of Budget Responsibility chief, who was forced out hours before he was due to give evidence on the Budget ‘lies’ to the House of Commons.
Officials close to the fiscal watchdog say they were instructed not to speak publicly ahead of key forecasts.
Critics claim the move leaves Rachel Reeves exposed as she faces growing questions over economic transparency.
Labour MPs privately admit the silence has fuelled doubts about the government’s handling of fiscal data, and the Conservatives are demanding an urgent statement to clarify whether ministers pressured the independent body.
Downing Street insists no political interference took place and calls the complaints “overblown and partisan”. The row is expected to escalate as Parliament prepares for a bruising showdown over the upcoming budget.
