Rishi Sunak’s allies have pointed the finger at Number 10 after a succession of politically damaging leaks about the Chancellor.
Mr Sunak is under pressure after it emerged that his wife, Akshata Murty, has non-domicile status, meaning she pays no UK tax on overseas income.
It was the latest in a string of disclosures following stories that he had blocked extra public spending designed to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis, about his expensive clothing and about the Russian operations of his father-in-law’s company.
Boris Johnson’s relationship with Mr Sunak has been strained at points this year, not least when the Prime Minister’s supporters felt the Chancellor had not done enough to support him over the “partygate” scandal.
Discussing the succession of anti-Sunak leaks and briefings, an ally of the Chancellor blamed Mr Johnson’s camp.
“It’s all coming from Number 10,” the source told The Telegraph. “Rishi’s the only credible show in town. Ever since he sat down from the Spring Statement, it’s been one thing after the other. I don’t think it’s in anyone’s interest other than the Prime Minister’s.”
Speaking about tensions over spending, the source added: “The Prime Minister loves to be loved… he really doesn’t have any principles at all. It is just about trying to maintain his popularity.”