A senior cybersecurity official is set to investigate a breach in the Budget after indications suggest an external party may be responsible.
The Office for Budget Responsibility, typically known for its credibility, faced criticism when the complete details of Rachel Reeves’ yearly taxation and spending strategies were prematurely disclosed online earlier this week.
Expressing deep regret over the incident, Richard Hughes, the OBR chair, issued an apology to the Chancellor. During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Hughes disclosed that the leaked documents did not directly appear on their official website but were accessed through an external link. He emphasized the urgency of a thorough investigation to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding the breach.
Hughes confirmed that the inquiry will enlist the expertise of Professor Ciaran Martin, the former head of the National Cyber Security Centre.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Resolution Foundation think tank, Hughes stated his willingness to resign if the Chancellor and the parliamentary committee lose faith in his leadership due to the breach. He emphasized the gravity of Budget security protocols and assured a swift investigation with results expected by early next week.
Acknowledging an internal “technical error” as the cause of the premature release, the OBR had previously issued an apology for the mishap.
Despite the leak, Rachel Reeves expressed her continued support for Hughes, emphasizing the need to prevent such incidents from recurring. The Chancellor, while accepting Hughes’ apology, underscored the severity of the breach and the importance of ensuring it does not recur.
Reeves mentioned being informed about the premature release while in the House of Commons preparing for the Budget presentation.