🔗 Share this article OBR Chair Steps Down Following Investigation into Early Budget Release Richard Hughes, has resigned in the wake of the conclusions of an rapid investigation into how the budget office inadvertently published Chancellor Rachel Reeves's budget ahead of schedule. Apology and Investigation Last week, Hughes issued an apology to Rachel Reeves and as well as to the Treasury select committee chair following the OBR uploaded its documents outlining the budget prior to the official speech began on Wednesday. To conduct a rapid probe, Hughes commissioned the former head of the National Cyber Security Centre, under the supervision provided by the external board members of the OBR’s oversight board. “I need to play my part in enabling the organisation that I have loved leading for the past five years to quickly move on from this regrettable incident.” Taking Responsibility Hughes's departure came after public statements from Rachel Reeves indicating support in his position. However, in a subsequent letter sent to both the chancellor and the committee chair, Hughes wrote: “I have, therefore, decided it is in the best interest of the OBR for me to resign as its Chair and take full responsibility for the shortcomings identified in the report.” This decision highlights the seriousness with which the independent body is addressing the procedural breach that led to the premature disclosure of confidential government information. More information will follow shortly.