Chancellor Rachel Reeves continues to face backlash over accusations she misled the public on the state of the nation’s economy, with the story prominent on many of Sunday’s papers. “Reeves must go,” is the consensus from voters who took part in a poll conducted by the Mail on Sunday. The paper reports that a majority of those who took part in the poll are in favour of Reeves quitting.
The prime minister is also being drawn into the scandal, with the Sunday Telegraph saying Sir Keir Starmer was aware there was no black hole in public finances but still approved Reeves’ speech about the need for tax rises in the Budget. The paper quotes No 10 saying the chancellor’s speech was “entirely accurate”, adding that the PM was aware of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) figures and the “content of the speech”.
The Sunday Times keeps its focus on the PM, reporting that Sir Keir will vow to tackle the cost of living crisis next week in an attempt to pivot attention away from the embattled chancellor. The PM will pledge to scrap “misguided” regulations and root out unforeseen costs in the country’s economy, the paper says.
The Budget’s impact on working families leads the Sunday Express. The paper cites a new report that says working families with three children will need to earn £71,000 to match the welfare benefits of a similar jobless household as a result of Reeves scrapping the two-child benefit cap.
The Observer fills its front page with a black and white tribute to playwright Tom Stoppard, who has died aged 88. The paper also features a famous quote from Stoppard’s play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead: “Words, words. They’re all we have to go on.”
The Independent shifts its attention to the war in Ukraine, spotlighting an interview with a Russia expert and former top White House adviser. Fiona Hill, a security adviser during Donald Trump’s first administration, warns that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “manipulating” the US leader and “doesn’t want peace”.
Moving on to entertainment news, the Sunday Mirror previews an interview with I’m a Celebrity contestant Alex Scott. Scott told the paper of her concern when her partner, singer Jess Glynne, wasn’t there to meet her when she was voted out of the Jungle. Glynne’s mother had suffered a stroke and required urgent surgery.
In other TV news, hit crime drama This City has been struck by real-life criminals, the Daily Star reports. The paper says a crew member had his room ransacked and personal belongings stolen while the series was filming its second series in Spain.
Finally, the Sun splashes its front page with an interview with TV personality Freddy Brazier’s former partner. Holly Swinburn details their troubled relationship, telling the paper: “Enough is enough, I don’t’ know if he can change.”
