🔗 Share this article Office for Budget Responsibility Head Steps Down After Inquiry into Premature Budget Publication Richard Hughes, has stepped down in the wake of the findings of an rapid inquiry regarding how the budget office inadvertently published Chancellor Rachel Reeves's fiscal statement 40 minutes early. The Inquiry and Response Previously, Hughes formally apologized to the chancellor and to Meg Hillier following the OBR published its reports outlining the spending plan prior to the official speech commenced on Wednesday. To assist with a speedy investigation, Hughes enlisted the former head of the National Cyber Security Centre, under the supervision provided by the independent members of the OBR’s governing committee. “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.” A Decision to Step Down Hughes's resignation followed comments from Rachel Reeves expressing confidence in his position. However, in a later communication 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 sensitive fiscal information. Further updates will follow shortly.