BudgetFeb 17 2020

Cabinet minister hints at Budget delay

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Cabinet minister hints at Budget delay

The transport secretary has suggested the upcoming Budget may be delayed following last week's cabinet reshuffle. 

Sajid Javid was swiftly replaced in his position as Chancellor of the Exchequer last week amid reports the MP refused to fire his team of advisers as requested by the prime minister.

His successor was named the same day as Rishi Sunak, MP for Richmond in Yorkshire, who was chief secretary to the Treasury under Boris Johnson and will now serve as chancellor.

Speaking on the Sophy Ridge on Sunday show (February 16) transport secretary Grant Shapps said Mr Sunak may want more time when asked if the Budget would go ahead as planned on March 11. 

He said: "I know that the Budget plans are well advanced but I also know that Rishi Sunak, the new chancellor, may want time.

"I haven't heard whether the date in March is confirmed as yet, he's probably looking at it I should think this week. So I will leave it to the Treasury to announce that."

On Thursday last week the Treasury told FTAdviser there were no plans to delay the Budget and it would be going ahead as planned next month. 

Mr Shapps added: "I just have to say Rishi was a fantastic chief secretary to the Treasury, that's the position he's come from previously, we've all worked with him very closely.

"He'll be a terrific Chancellor of the Exchequer I think and whenever the Budget is I'm sure it will be a huge success for this country." 

rachel.mortimer@ft.com

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