Budget may not take place on March 11

Reports surfaced over the weekend following Sajid Javid's resignation as Chancellor.

Budget may not take place on March 11

Reports emerged this weekend that the Budget, which was scheduled for March 11, could be delayed following Sajid Javid's shock resignation as Chancellor.

Former housing secretary and current transport secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that new chancellor Rishi Sunak may have to choose a new date.

Speaking to Sky News 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 of March is confirmed as yet.

"He is probably looking at it, I should think this week.”

Former Chancellor Javid made the decision to quit rather than accept Number 10 control over his appointment of aids and the Budget during last week's reshuffle.

Speaking to the BBC Shapps added: “The guy’s only been in place for a few days, let’s give him a few days to decide on the date.”

Last week a new “joint economic unit” which will work between Downing Street and the Treasury was set up with the aim of shaping the upcoming Budget

The government is committed to holding a Budget by April 5 in preparation for the next tax year.