The upcoming government announcement on devolution, set to grant mayors a share of income tax revenue for city spending, is a significant focus in the UK's Sunday papers. The Sunday Times reports that this initiative will empower mayors with greater financial control over their urban areas.
Elsewhere, the political discourse is also examining the financial dealings of the Reform UK party. According to the Sunday Times, the party's bank account was frozen during the last general election due to donations received from Fiona Cottrell. Cottrell is identified as a substantial donor to the party and the mother of George Cottrell, who has a conviction for fraud. In a statement, Reform UK asserted that the story was part of a series of "smear stories" and that many of the claims were factually inaccurate. The party also noted that leader Nigel Farage had decided to let the voters of Clacton evaluate his actions.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's policy proposals are also a prominent feature across the newspapers, with headlines describing his plans as a "big spree." Additionally, the Observer highlights a report that Wes Streeting is making a "bid to win back Trump," though the specifics of this initiative are not detailed in the provided notes. The Sunday Express, meanwhile, warns of a potential "£18bn death tax" that could affect families, suggesting a significant financial burden, while the Mail on Sunday also references a "£96 billion tax raid to pay for Burnham's big spree."