MPs have launched a probe into royal lease deals after the Royal Lodge row, examining whether rents on Crown Estate homes offer value for money. The Public Accounts Committee will review arrangements for the Waleses’ Forest Lodge, the Edinburghs’ Bagshot Park and Princess Alexandra’s home.

Richard Hughes has resigned as OBR chief after a leak row tied to last week’s Budget. Conservatives claim the Chancellor is using him as a scapegoat after he flagged a fiscal gap. The Treasury faces scrutiny over the leak and the credibility of its Budget assumptions.

Nigel Farage has asked the ethics watchdog to investigate the Chancellor, alleging she misled voters by warning of a £20bn hole before the Budget, despite OBR briefings suggesting headroom. He says the conduct merits a probe, drawing the PM into questions over standards.

The Chancellor faces calls to resign after the fiscal watchdog reportedly told ministers months ago there was no gap in the public finances. Critics say she misled voters to justify tax rises in the Budget. Allies argue the measures fund priorities and stability; she rejects claims.