The incoming deputy governor of the Bank of England has rejected calls for the UK’s fiscal watchdog to be scrapped and stressed there is “widespread support” for the central bank. However, Clare Lombardelli, who will join the Bank in July, said she hopes for a shake-up over forecasting at the Bank of England after criticisms in last week’s Bernanke review. Ms Lombardelli, who will take over from Ben Broadbent, made the comments amid questions from Parliament’s Treasury Select Committee. It came days after former prime minister Liz Truss said Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey should resign over his response to the 2022 mini budget which triggered market turmoil, and said she wants to “see the back” of the OBR (Office for Budget Responsibility) watchdog. 🗣 Our pre-appointment hearing with Clare Lombardelli has now started. 📺 Watch the session live 👇https://t.co/mQ8LaX9cLA — Treasury Committee (@CommonsTreasury) April 16, 2024 Ms Lombardelli told MPs on the committee she believes there is “widespread support” for the structure of the Bank of England and the Governor. She also provided her backing to the OBR, the Government’s official forecaster, describing herself as a “big fan” of the institution, having seen its economic assessments while working...