OBR chief Richard Hughes has resigned amid the Budget leak row

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent.

The OBR chief has resigned following a damning report into its accidental leak of the Budget before Rachel Reeves' speech, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been formally stripped of his last royal titles, and a fresh round of strikes has been called by resident doctors. 

Top stories

1 | OBR chief resigns after report blames leadership for Budget blunder

Read more

2 | Andrew formally stripped of last royal titles by King Charles

Read more

3 | Three former Tory MPs defect to Farage's Reform

Read more

4 | Russia claims major victory ahead of crucial meeting between Putin and Trump envoy

Read more

5 | Doctors accused of 'cynical attempt to wreck Christmas' with strike

Read more

Editors' picks

'Kick in the teeth': Readers say Budget 'punishes responsibility'

Scrapping the two-child cap is a reckless policy. Handing an average of £5,310 to 560,000 larger families rewards personal choices while ignoring other households under the same cost-of-living squeeze. It's unfair and risks encouraging inflation, making life even harder for everyone, including the poor.

Get involved and share your views here.

Don't forget to complete your registration

You haven't completed your registration with The Independent. It's free, quick, and helps support our journalism while tailoring your experience.

Register now to enjoy benefits including access to limited Premium articles, The Independent app, more than 20 newsletters and commenting on independent.co.uk.

Complete your registration today to unlock access.

WATCH 

Trump defends pardoning drug-trafficking Honduran ex-president

STAT OF THE DAY

13

The number of strikes which have been carried out by doctors since March 2023. A new strike has been called in December, following action in November and July this year. 

Read more

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The UK needs a China policy that recognises this reality. Instead, for years we have blown hot and cold."

The words of prime minister Sir Keir Starmer as he used a speech to defend a "thawing" of relations between London and Beijing, possibly laying the groundwork for a controversial new super embassy to be given approval.

Read more

Other stories you might like

Get set for Christmas with £10 off Moët & Chandon champagne.

Give the gift of luxury socks and save 15% with code "SAVE15" at Peper Harow.

Join the conversation and follow us

Download the free Independent app

Please do not reply directly to this email

You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Evening Headlines newsletter.

To unsubscribe from The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.

This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345

Read our privacy policy and cookie policy