Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a firm denial that he or his inner circle are responsible for a series of damaging budget leaks and speculation about a potential leadership challenge.
PM Denies Involvement in 'Unacceptable' Briefings
Appearing before parliament's liaison committee on Monday 15 December 2025, Sir Keir addressed the controversy head-on. He described a leak to the Financial Times, which revealed 13 days before the budget that a proposed income tax rise had been dropped, as "unacceptable".
"It was not a briefing that was signed off by me or any of my ministers or officials," the Prime Minister stated emphatically. He was equally categorical when questioned about claims that certain cabinet ministers are manoeuvring to replace him, asserting: "I can say, hand on heart, that none of it comes from me or is encouraged by me."
Procedures and Investigations Launched
Sir Keir told the committee he has implemented new procedures to gain assurance that leaks are not originating from his ministers or staff in Number 10. While he said he has "no reason to believe" anyone in Downing Street leaked the income tax plan, he acknowledged other sensitive details, including a pay-per-mile levy for electric vehicles and a tourist tax, were also prematurely disclosed.
The Prime Minister vowed to "get to the bottom of these leaks" once an inquiry concludes, promising to take action against any individuals found responsible. "I want to stop these leaks," he said, adding that briefing against colleagues was "completely unacceptable".
Chancellor Reeves Confirms Forensic Probe
His comments follow similar testimony last week from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who told the Treasury select committee the leaks were "very damaging". Ms Reeves confirmed a review of Treasury processes is underway and revealed that the National Centre for Cyber Security has been brought in to conduct a forensic examination of IT systems.
This drastic step was prompted after the Office for Budget Responsibility's confidential assessment of the budget became accessible before the Chancellor's official announcement. "We cannot allow this to happen again," Ms Reeves stated, underscoring the severity of the security breach.
The dual investigations now running represent a significant effort by the Labour leadership to contain the political fallout and reassert control over the government's messaging, amid a storm of budget leaks and destabilising leadership speculation.
