Nigel Farage has reported Rachel Reeves to Sir Keir Starmer’s independent ethics adviser over alleged breaches of the ministerial code.
The Reform UK leader, who sent his 968-word letter to Sir Magnus Laurie tonight, claimed the Chancellor pushed “a sustained and deliberate narrative” after it was reported the UK was facing a black hole of between £22billion and £40billion.
Mr Farage cited Ms Reeves’s remarks in the House of Commons in early November and pointed out that the Chancellor had not disclosed the Office for Budget Responsibility’s positive headroom forecast to MPs or the public.
The Reform UK leader also took aim at the Chancellor over her “inaccurate statements concerning her professional background”, later swiping at the Prime Minister over his alleged knowledge of the Treasury’s pre-Budget briefing strategy.
Mr Farage wrote: “The Chancellor’s conduct sits within a broader pattern that has previously attracted legitimate scrutiny, including inaccurate statements concerning her professional background, which required public correction and goes directly to questions of credibility and openness.”
In a direct plea to Sir Magnus, the Reform UK leader added: “I therefore ask you to advise the Prime Minister without delay that this matter meets the threshold for formal investigation under the Code, and that such an investigation should begin immediately.
“Given the gravity of the allegations and the public interest, I further request confirmation within seven days whether you intend to initiate an investigation under paragraph 2.6(b) of the Code or advise the Prime Minister to refer the matter to you.”
However, Ms Reeves insisted earlier today that she did not lie to voters about a black hole in the public finances.
She said: “Look, I’m a Labour Chancellor. I want to reduce child poverty. I make no apologies for that.
“This will be the biggest ever reduction for child poverty in a Parliament ever and I’m proud to be the Chancellor that lifts half a million kids out of poverty.”