‘The Budget received full support’: PM's top aide denies Chancellor misled the public and Cabinet

The Budget and Alleged Misleading Statements

Sir Keir Starmer’s senior aide denied allegations that Chancellor Rachel Reeves misinformed the public and members of the Cabinet about the nation’s budgetary position. Reports suggested internal disagreements over the economic forecasts presented ahead of the fiscal statement, but the aide insisted that these claims were inaccurate.

Official Response from Darren Jones

Darren Jones, the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, stated that the Budget had been discussed and endorsed within the Cabinet. According to him, it was “a collective decision” taken with full transparency. He reaffirmed that the Prime Minister and his team had been fully informed about the financial assumptions leading to the Budget presentation.

“The Budget received full support from the Cabinet. The Chancellor acted fully in line with the collective position of the government,” Jones said.

He added that any suggestion of deliberate deception was “completely untrue” and politically motivated.

Background of the Controversy

The dispute began after criticism from opposition figures and some press outlets alleging that the Treasury understated the scope of planned spending constraints. However, sources close to the government maintain that all fiscal projections were based on data verified by the Office for Budget Responsibility and shared with ministers ahead of the announcement.

Internal Unity Emphasized

In his remarks, Jones emphasized that both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor were united in their economic approach, aiming to deliver stability and confidence in the post-Budget period. Senior Labour figures also framed the criticism as an attempt to divide the leadership and undermine trust in the government’s financial credibility.

“The government remains focused on responsible economic management and supporting working families,” a spokesperson said.

Summary

The government stands firm that Chancellor Reeves did not mislead either the Cabinet or the public, reaffirming collective responsibility and commitment to fiscal transparency.

Author Summary: Downing Street denied claims that Rachel Reeves misled officials about fiscal matters, asserting full Cabinet backing for the Budget and reaffirming government unity.

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LBC LBC — 2025-12-01

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