Chancellor was said to be worried about market-sensitive leaks, yet significant policies have been heavily trailed in the media The public has been told repeatedly that John Healey is so concerned about budget leaks that he has set up defence-style “compartmentalisation” to prevent the Treasury’s financial secrets escaping. The macho military analogies began in mid-August when Healey was said by the Telegraph to be “on a war footing” to stop the drip of information that he believed had beleaguered Rachel Reeves. Continue reading...
Has Healey’s military-style budget secrecy really played out so differently to past budgets?

Original reporting
The Guardian: read the full reportRelated stories

Cabinet split emerges over controversial Rosebank oilfield decision
Chancellor is in favour of North Sea project, but energy secretary has said she is leaning towards rejecting it A cabinet split has emerged over whether to approve drilling at the Rosebank oilfield, with the chancellor, John Healey, in favour of the controversial North Sea project. The energy secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, is ultimately in charge of the decision, and the Guardian reported last week that she was leaning towards rejecting it after granting permission for the smaller Jackdaw gasfield. Continue reading...

Board of Deputies of British Jews declares Greens to be racist party
The Jewish body's vote comes in response to the Green Party passing a "Zionism is racism" policy motion.

Blanche defends DOJ lawsuit blocking Alaska Senate results if Republican loses
Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Justice Department's suit over Alaska's Senate race in an interview on CNN.

Former Tory candidate suspended over contract killer claims was adviser in Kemi Badenoch’s office
Sources close to Tory leader say Jack Ross, who faces party investigation after undercover report, worked as social media consultant A former Conservative election candidate who was suspended after he was filmed discussing the cost of hiring contract killers worked as a consultant in Kemi Badenoch’s office as recently as last year. Jack Ross is facing an investigation by the Tories after he was filmed apparently asking an undercover reporter: “What do you want done?” and apparently offering to “broker” the services of an alleged far-right paramilitary group. Continue reading...

Burnham open to 'honest discussion' on EU free movement
Prime minister is considering different options for new relationship with Brussels ahead of summit in November Andy Burnham says he wants an “honest discussion” with the British public about the possibility of a return to free movement between the UK and the EU as part of his plans for a new relationship with the bloc. The prime minister has been open about his desire to revisit the relationship between Britain and Brussels. He has said a new deal could mean the UK goes “all the way” and rejoins the EU. Continue reading...
Politics chat: The polls show a Democratic sweep in the midterms. Can you trust them?
If you look at the few truly competitive seats, polls show a more complicated picture of momentum toward the Democratic Party in midterm House races. For the Senate, Republicans are on defense.