Danni Simpson has completed her mural for the Fleadh this week

Australian artist Danni Simpson moved to Belfast over eight years ago and has been leaving her mark on the city one mural at a time.

Danni quit her job and left Australia for Europe, but didn’t expect that a pit-stop in Northern Ireland would result in it becoming her new home.

She has worked on countless pieces across the city, from adding some colour to the electric boxes and large murals throughout the city.

Danni’s artwork can also be spotted all across Belfast in many cafés and bars, and she has worked for clients such as Belfast City Council, Translink and Malfy Gin, with one of her most recognised pieces being her ‘Belfast you are here’ mural on North Street in the city centre.

As the Fleadh rolls around this weekend, Dani has put the finishing touches on a large-scale piece that can be found right beside Writer’s Square, facing St. Anne’s Cathedral. The piece depicts a man leaning against the wall, holding a fiddle, and has a Guinness glass at the bottom filled with coins and flowers.

She drew inspiration from “the huge amount of musical influence in the city”, adding that it is “really nice to be able to capture that” in this new mural.

Many would be forgiven for thinking that the piece appeared out of nowhere, as it only took Danni three days on and off to bring it to life. A major factor that needs to be taken into account when creating something like this is the weather, and in typical Belfast fashion, it didn’t play ball in the process, with some rain holding her back.

While Danni herself hasn’t given the piece a name, she hopes the people of Belfast will use their famous creativity to give the new mural a fitting title.

The new mural isn’t the only thing that Danni has created for the Fleadh Cheoil na Héireann, which is expected to bring 800,000 visitors to Belfast across the festival.

Danni has created a collection of merch that she hopes will become a keepsake for any of her customers of the incredible week that is planned in the city.

She has become known for her illustrated maps, and the collection for the Fleadh is a map of the many different pubs and the atmosphere of the Cathedral Quarter throughout the festival.

She created the pieces in collaboration with Willie Jack from the Duke of York, who can be spotted on one of the t-shirts and hopes that they act as “a fun little way to capture the event”.

As someone who is relatively new to the city, she gave some advice to people who are making their way to Belfast for the event, saying that “the best way to do it is to see where the music takes you and make lots of friends”.

Danni went on to urge people to “support the local businesses who have put a lot of effort into making this week really special”.

If you are out and about soaking up the atmosphere during the Fleadh, Danni will be holding a pop-up shop and live painting on Commercial Court underneath the famous neon umbrellas.

She finished off by saying, “Come down and say hello to see what I’ve been creating”.

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Presenter Stacey Dooley is set to front Clickbait Clinic, a new BBC One and iPlayer series investigating social media health trends

Stacey Dooley is set to front a brand new BBC One and iPlayer series alongside doctors Alex George and Nighat Arif, as the trio investigate some of social media’s biggest health claims.

The new programme, Clickbait Clinic with Stacey Dooley, is produced by the award-winning team at Nutopia and aims to separate medical fact from online misinformation. It comes as studies suggest around one in three people in the UK now turn to social media for health advice.

Across the series, Stacey will examine some of the internet’s most viral wellness trends, looking at how they become so popular and meeting the content creators behind them. With support from Dr Alex and Dr Nighat, she’ll also explore whether the science behind these online health claims stands up to scrutiny.

Supported by former Love Island contestant Dr Alex and This Morning regular Dr Nighat, she’ll scrutinise the scientific basis underpinning these viral phenomena, reports OK!.

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The presenter will examine subjects ranging from extreme leg-lengthening procedures and NAD+ infusions to the carnivore diet, testosterone therapies, methylene blue and assertions that dog deworming medication can treat cancer.

Dr Alex initially gained prominence as a Love Island participant in 2018. Subsequently, he was named the UK Government’s inaugural Youth Mental Health Ambassador and has authored several bestselling publications centred on health and wellbeing.

Dr Nighat Arif, meanwhile, is a prominent British GP, broadcaster and advocate for women’s health issues. She has established herself as a recognisable presence on television programmes such as ITV’s This Morning, while leveraging her profile to champion crucial health matters.

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Speaking about the new series, former A&E doctor and mental health advocate Dr Alex George said: “I’ve spent plenty of time searching online for answers about my own health, but I’ve also spent years working as a doctor.

“Looking at some of the claims going viral from both perspectives has been fascinating, and I’m really excited to explore them with Stacey and Nighat.”

Dr Nighat Arif said: “This is a dream project for me and even better it’s with Stacey and Alex. I’ve often seen the very real impact of harmful online health advice in my clinic, so helping to untangle this for viewers could not be more important.

“The one thing I want them to be able to say, ‘is this something that is evidence-based or is this something that could potentially not work or even do me harm?”

Clickbait Clinic with Stacey Dooley will air on BBC One and iPlayer later this year.

Real Housewives of Orange County‘s Vicki Gunvalson has defended her former castmate Jeana Keough after Keough started a GoFundMe page to help pay for personal expenses while battling cancer.

Keough’s daughter Kara Bosworth launched the GoFundMe on July 19 after her realtor mom, 70, started treatment for tongue cancer.

While the GoFundMe has already reached over $70,000, many fans of the Real Housewives franchise – which follows the lives of affluent women in exclusive social circles – have criticized the fundraising move due to Keough’s apparent wealth. 

Defending her co-star and friend on SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live last week, Gunvalson insisted that Keough isn’t as rich as some people think she is.

‘Jeana owns two houses in Florida,’ Gunvalson explained.

‘When she sold the house next to me she bought two houses, rental property. It doesn’t have a lot of equity, the real estate in Florida has gone down,’ she continued.

Keough shot to fame as an original cast member on Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise, which follows affluent groups of women in exclusive social circles

‘She is getting a small pension from [ex-husband] Matt [Keough], she’s getting her social security. It’s not enough to support her rent in Coto de Caza, she rents a house there, and her life.’

Both Gunvalson and Keough currently live ‘two doors down’ from each other in Coto de Caza, an exclusive, gated community where the Real Housewives of Orange County was originally filmed.  

Gunvalson also pointed out that Keough is a commission-based realtor and has been unable to work during treatment, so her ‘income stopped’.

She clarified that Keough’s ‘medical care is covered’, and that the GoFundMe is to help with other expenses. 

On the official GoFundMe page, Keough’s eldest daughter states, ‘Any funds raised will go directly toward expenses, everyday living costs, nutrition, and the additional support she needs while undergoing treatment.’

The fundraising goal was originally set at $50,000, but it has since been raised to $90,000 following a flood of generous donations from both fans and Bravo stars alike.

The top donor to the GoFundMe is currently ‘Andrew Cohen’, who contributed $5,000.

Real Housewives of Orange County newcomer Carmella Garcia is also listed as having donated $1,000.

Daily Mail has contacted both Keough and her daughter Kara Bosworth for comment. 

Defending her friend and fellow Housewife on SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live last week, RHOC star Vicki Gunvalson insisted that Keough isn’t as rich as some people think she is

Keough’s GoFundMe was started by her daughter Kara Bosworth and has so far raised over $70,000

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Keough originally lived in a large mansion in Coto de Caza, but she sold it in 2016 for $3.4 million to downsize to a smaller home in the area and to buy property in Florida.

The former 1980 Playboy Playmate of the Month was one of the founding cast members on The Real Housewives of Orange County, lasting on the reality series for its first five seasons before stepping back and making sporadic guest appearances in the following years.

She returned to the franchise this year for RHOC’s landmark 20th season for a cameo at a party featuring various past cast members, which will be shown on an upcoming episode.

Keough, a staunch conservative, occasionally shared her political viewpoints in early seasons of the series.

Earlier this week, Bosworth took to Instagram with an update on how her mother is dealing with her tongue cancer treatment and confirmed that she currently cannot speak.

‘Right now, Jeana isn’t talking,’ Bosworth said. ‘The tongue and throat pain, paired with the mucus from radiation on the area, is just brutal. Poor mama has to spit into tissues all day.’

Bosworth thanked the company Blow Tissues for sending tissues for Keough to use, adding, ‘She’s never needed a delivery more.’

Keough, 70, is unable to speak as she undergoes treatment for tongue cancer

Keough recently filmed a cameo on the Real Housewives of Orange County’s 20th season, which is airing now 

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Keough, a regular on the first five seasons of the Real Housewives of Orange County, is also mother to sons Shane, 39, and Colton, 34, with late ex-husband Matt Keough. 

Bosworth on July 19 detailed her mother’s health woes in a statement on GoFundMe, saying that Keough had complained about ‘a painful spot on her tongue’ for almost a year’s time.

‘A biopsy confirmed our worst fear: squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue,’ Bosworth said, adding that she underwent a pair of surgeries to remove the cancer and then her lymph nodes.

She said her mother has continued with a ‘relentless’ regimen of ‘chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy’ which has left her ‘exhausted’ and ‘malnourished’ due to related pain.

Bosworth said that each day ‘is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment.’

She noted that the ailment had left her mother ‘unable to work,’ as ‘the loss of income has created an enormous financial burden at the very time she needs to focus all of her energy on healing.’

Keough first shot to fame as a Playboy model and was named the Playmate of the Month for the November, 1980 issue of the magazine

A young Keough is pictured on an episode of the ’80s variety show Pink Lady

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In subsequent updates to the fundraising page, Bosworth said July 21 that her mother had experienced more complications, as she had been slated to be set up with a feeding tube known as a G-tube to help with nutrition as she had been unable to eat for two weeks.

Doctors had to pause their plans due to the discovery of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clot in her leg which presented further danger, Bosworth said.

In a pair of updates last week, Bosworth said that her mother was cleared for surgery to receive a ‘PEG feeding tube placed so she can receive the nutrition her body desperately needs. 

‘This will allow us to bypass the painful swallowing and choking that happen every time she tries to eat or drink.’

Keough was a fulltime cast member on the first five seasons of the Real Housewives of Orange County

She still keeps in touch with her fellow RHOC stars and is pictured enjoying a lavish lunch with Jo De La Rosa and Alexis Bellino in 2024

Following the procedure, Bosworth said that her mother had been ‘recovering’ and ‘able to stay on track with her treatment despite the setbacks from the blood clot and infection.’

Bosworth said in a Friday update that her mother had been ‘finally feeling a little more like herself’ after she ‘gave her the full “spa treatment” at the hospital’ consisting of washing her hair with a shampoo cap and shaving her legs.

‘She’s still very weak, and her mobility is limited, but we’re hopeful that now that she’s finally able to get the nutrition her body desperately needs, she’ll begin to regain her strength,’ Bosworth said.

Bosworth thanked the people who have ‘checked in, prayed, donated, shared your own experiences as patients or caregivers, and lifted our family up.’

She added, ‘Every message, every prayer, and every act of kindness has meant more than you know. Your positivity is healing.’

The One Show hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo were left visibly moved in the BBC One studio

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The One Show was full of emotional moments on Thursday’s episode.

During Thursday’s programme, presenters Alex Jones and Clara Amfo disclosed they had recruited Spider-Man: Brand New Day stars Zendaya, Tom Holland and Jacob Batalon to surprise nine-year-old youngster Oliver.

Oliver, nine, from Barnsley has been raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity by running the equivalent of nine marathons in four months.

Inspired by his own family’s journey after his dad Tom was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged just 39, Oliver set himself an incredible challenge: to run nine marathons, one for every year of his life, in support of the Brain Tumour Charity that had been there for his family when they needed it most.

Oliver has raised more than £16,500 to help ensure other families facing a brain tumour diagnosis receive the same vital support and hope.

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His inspiring achievement earned him a very special One Big Thank You on The One Show, where the cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day surprised Oliver in London before inviting him to the London movie premiere, leaving the youngster in tears.

Back in the studio, The One Show hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo were left visibly moved. Alex, 49, was seen fighting back tears as she said: “Thank you so much to Tom and Zendaya and Jacob.

“And true to their word, last night Oliver went along to the premiere with his family to see the film and you can watch Spider-Man: Brand New Day in cinemas now” before emotionally sighing and composing herself.

Co-host Clara, 42, then added: “Oh, such a beautiful gang and if you know someone… we’ll try not to cry” with Alex admitting: “Well, emotional!”

Clara then continued: “If you know someone who you think is a hero, who deserves one big thank you, please please do get in touch.”

Taking to Twitter, now X, over the emotional show moment one person said: “Oh that #OneBigThankYou for the boy Oliver raising money for the Brain Tumour Trust was so good. What good eggs Tom, Zendaya and Jacob are #Spiderman #TheOneShow.”

To which a different viewer added: “Best one big thank you ever!! So emotional and the stars were so lovely to Oliver” with a heart emoji.

The One Show continues on weeknights at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Voter registration began Thursday in Haiti’s capital and beyond, marking a critical milestone in the push for general elections even as concerns over widespread gang violence persist.

The government opened 10 registration centers across Port-au-Prince in neighborhoods considered generally safe as dozens of hopeful Haitians trickled through.

“This may be the first time that I’m going to vote,” said 34-year-old construction worker Vadley Bernadel.

Haiti hasn’t held general elections in more than a decade, and the country hasn’t had a president since President Jovenel Moïse was killed at his private residence in July 2021.

Gang violence has only surged since then, but Haiti’s unelected prime minister is under pressure to hold elections, with Dec. 13 marking the first round.

“Haiti needs someone with a vision, someone who can lead the country in a better direction,” said Bernadel, who decried his country’s multiple crises.

Armed men still control swaths of land

Gang violence has displaced more than 1.4 million people, with armed men controlling an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince and the main roads that lead to the country’s Central and Artibonite provinces, which also are under fire.

More than 50% of Haiti’s electorate live in those three regions, and it’s unclear whether all those seeking to vote will be able to register, let alone vote, given the violence.

“The country can hold elections in three months if it chooses to. The question is, what kind of elections?” said Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group.

If the government insists on holding elections on Dec. 13, “a large part of the electorate will be left out,” he warned.

Da Rin noted that police and a U.N.-backed mission have seized back areas near the National Palace in Port-au-Prince and made other inroads, but powerful gangs still control vast amounts of territory.

“There has been no significant progress,” he said. “The government will not be able to organize elections in territories controlled by gangs.”

Jacques Desrosiers, president of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council, said he plans to open more voter registration centers in upcoming weeks, including 20 in Pétion-Ville, considered one of the safest areas.

As for the possibility of opening centers in other communities, he said that lies in the hands of the Haitian government.

The Prime Minister said by letting mayors keep a slice of income tax and business rates, he will “make good” on his pledge to “take power out of Westminster and carry it into every postcode in the country”.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness welcomed the policy, saying “this is what taking back control really looks like”. Meanwhile The Times newspaper report that Tees Valley Mayor Lord Houchen was thought to be considering using the power to roll our tax reliefs.

Andy Burnham said the policy would be designed so that “every local leader will have the power and resources to improve public transport, build homes and create jobs.”

He said: “I said we’d take power out of Westminster and carry it into every postcode in the country.

“Today, we make good on that promise.

“Under our plans, more of the taxes raised in a community will stay in that community.”

Details of the reforms are expected to be announced in a white paper, published when Chancellor John Healey presents his first budget in the autumn.

Ms McGuinness responded: “This is what taking back control really looks like, this is what we’ve been fighting for, for the people of the North East.

“For decades, whenever the North wanted something, it had to go to London each time, cap in hand, to beg a civil servant or a government minister to back us.

“We’re changing the North East for good, and much greater financial freedom is the first step.

“This means we can do more to support hard-pressed families through things like cheaper Mayor’s Fares and childcare grants; it means we can grow the Metro and rail network, build more council homes and open youth clubs to give young people the opportunities they deserve regardless of their background.

“Now we can step up and market the North East to the world as a visitor destination and a place to invest, creating new jobs as we do so by helping our people and businesses thrive and grow.

“The days of asking Whitehall’s permission are over. We can now just get on with the job and improve the lives of people here in the North East, now and for generations to come.”

Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, added: “Allowing regions to retain a share of income tax revenues will go one step further.

“Under the proposals, individual workers and employers would not pay more income tax or National Insurance, unlike under the Scottish system, but mayors would still be able to borrow against or commit future revenues to help finance privately built and delivered infrastructure.”

The rate of income tax which bill-payers face will not change as a direct result of the reforms, according to the Government.

Ministers will retain an equalisation system, so areas where less tax is collected continue to receive financial support.

Chancellor John Healey said: “The people who best understand what skills employers want, what transport an area needs and where investment can make the biggest difference are those who live there.

“For the first time we’re giving mayors a share of income tax, so communities directly benefit when their economy grows – passing power out of Westminster and driving growth in every postcode.

“This is the way we start to build new hope and advance the working people of this country.”

Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner said the announcement would put “an end to the begging-bowl culture of the past”, instead giving locally elected leaders “the tools they need to drive the change that communities have been crying out for.”

Some mayors are thought to be considering using their powers to roll out tax reliefs, including Conservative Tees Valley mayor Lord Houchen of High Leven and Reform UK’s Greater Lincolnshire mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns, according to reports in The Times newspaper.

By KRISTINA WEMYSS, GENERAL NEWS REPORTER

Published: 19:05 BST, 30 July 2026 | Updated: 21:44 BST, 30 July 2026

The San Diego Humane Society is facing an unprecedented challenge, with its dog population reaching record levels after two large-scale surrenders of Yorkies and huskies.

The organization’s Humane Law Enforcement team is currently assisting two overwhelmed owners, each with around 25 dogs. One group consists of Yorkies, the other of Huskies.

Eight Yorkies arrived at the Escondido campus on Tuesday, where they are being vaccinated and treated for severe flea infestations, with grooming and full veterinary exams still pending.

On the same day, ten huskies were taken to the San Diego Campus and three to the El Cajon Campus. Many are fearful and will require significant support from the Humane Society’s Behavior & Training team.

“San Diego Humane Society recognizes that animal hoarding is a complex issue that can stem from a variety of circumstances, including financial hardship, housing inability, isolation and a desire to help animals,” the statement read. “The organization works to support pet owners while prioritizing animal welfare and community safety.”

Resources and information are available at sdhumane.org/hoarding.

While the organization’s leaders are happy to help dogs in a precarious position, the shelters themselves are overflowing. July is on track to be the 11th consecutive month to set a record for average adult dogs in care.

According to SDHS, through July 27, the organization averaged 663 adult dogs in care each day — more than 50 dogs above the previous July record of 612 set in 2024. At the same time, adoptions have declined. Adding puppies, the organization currently has 792 canines in care.

The organization currently has 1,950 animals in its care. Of those, 874 are available for adoption, including 374 adult dogs, 27 puppies, 160 adult cats, 132 kittens, 18 rabbits, 72 guinea pigs and 33 farm animals.

“Whether you are looking for a loyal dog to join you on walks, a cuddly cat to keep you company, or a playful small pet like a rabbit or guinea pig, August is the perfect time to find your new best friend,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. “By adopting, you are gaining a family member while also creating a space for another animal in need to receive care.”

Adoption fees for all pets (except horses) will be 50% off throughout August as part of the national Clear the Shelters campaign. The event ends with a fee-waived adoption day on Saturday, Aug. 29 for all animals (except horses).

SDHS is open for walk-in adoptions Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego. Prospective adopters can view all available animals at sdhumane.org/adopt.

‘I grabbed hold of my gate and I held on tight, preparing for the force. Then the force of the water hit me.’

A man has described the moment he heard an explosion reminiscent of an earthquake, before a “wall of water” came gushing through his home, taking him along with it and ripping his back door off its hinges.

Steve Mordecai and his wife are one of several families who were evacuated from their homes on Thursday afternoon after a quarry explosion led to flooding in the village of Gwaelod-y-Garth on the edge of Cardiff.

According to residents, water came gushing through the village at Heol Berry and Heol y Nant minutes after an explosion was heard at the nearby Breedon Group quarry.

The owners of the quarry have said they are aware of the incident but are unable to comment further as of Thursday afternoon.

Residents have described the explosion, which happened at around 2pm, as being like an “earthquake”. Moments after the explosion the quiet streets in the village were flooded with water.

Steve told WalesOnline: “I heard the bang and the house shook, so I went out into the garden to make sure that everything was okay. As I walked towards the field, towards my gate, I looked up and I saw this wall of water – brown dirty water – with wood in it and leaves and everything.

“I was shocked. I have seen some things in my life but this shocked me – in a drought area too.”

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Recalling the shocking moment the water rushed towards him, Steve said: “All of a sudden I just grabbed hold of my gate and I held on tight, preparing for the force. Then the force of the water hit me and pushed me backwards from the gate. I was floating.

“I could feel the pebbles and the stones and the leaves and sticks going past me and within less than a minute it was about three feet high.

“The gush of the water ripped my back door off its hinges. The water was all into our utility area and in the kitchen. It went straight through into the living room and right out through the front door.

“We have had electrics turned off. We had the police come over to see if we want to move for a couple of days. But no, we want to stay here because upstairs is still okay.”

Explaining what his plans are, Steve continued: “What we will do now is take the carpets up, move everything out and squeegee the floor. I have a few gas heaters I can turn on to try and dry the place out.”

In footage taken by WalesOnline walking through Steve’s house, you can see the dregs of the water, which was above knee height, stained onto his walls. The water level inside his utility room remains above ankle height.

Steve said the force of the water was so powerful it pushed over his fridge freezer and ripped his back door off its hinges.

The floors on the ground floor of his home are laced in thick brown mud, with all indoor and outdoor furniture ruined. The damage caused is estimated to be thousands of pounds. The vegetables and flowers Steve had been growing have also been destroyed.

He said: “Obviously my garden is ruined. All my vegetables, all my flowers. It’s all gone. In the greenhouse, everything’s gone. My tomatoes, courgettes, everything.”

There are several other families affected in similar ways – either sorting through the wreckage or being placed into emergency accommodation.

Gareth Spencer, a resident of Heol Berry, has described feeling “devastated” at the wreckage he and his neighbours are faced with.

“It was a massive blast, it shook all the windows, [it was] really, really loud – probably louder than normal I’d say, for this area, even though we get blasts from time to time.

“There was no warning, no prior warning. Sometimes there is a siren that goes off – didn’t hear that.

“I came out about five to 10 minutes later to a massive gush of water and mud coming down the road. There was so much of it, it was terrible actually.

“When I came out to see the other residents’ houses it was a hard watch I have to say. It shouldn’t be allowed to happen.

“There are young families on this street who have gone on holiday, as it’s the school holidays. They’ve gone away and now they are going to have to come back and deal with this. I mean, it’s really sad, seeing all the water gushing out of their houses.”

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Police and the fire service remain at the scene on Thursday evening. A South Wales Police spokesperson said: “Officers are currently in attendance to the area of Gwaelod-y-Garth, Taff’s Well, following flooding.

“A road closure is in place at the junction of Heol Goch and Main Road. Please avoid the area to allow the emergency services to deal with the incident.

“Discoloration of the water may appear in multiple streams and rivers downstream of the flooding, we urge people to stay away from the water whilst this incident is ongoing.”

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A spokesperson for Breedon Group said: “We are aware of an incident that took place at our Taff’s Well Quarry this afternoon. Our teams are working closely with the relevant authorities while engaging with the local community as we respond to the situation.

“Our priority is supporting the response and we are not in a position to provide any further comment at this time.”

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Prime Minister Andy Burnham will give all mayors of city regions in England a share of income tax revenue for the first time, as part of his drive to transfer power from Westminster to local leaders.

Burnham will also allow mayors of English strategic authorities to keep some cash from business rates collected in their areas, and gain greater control over services such as housing, transport, skills.

The government has not yet decided the exact portion of taxes mayors will be given, with more details to be announced when Chancellor John Healey delivers his first budget in the autumn.

Critics said the plans lacked detail and could lead to areas with weaker economies losing out on funding.

But Burnham said the move would “make good” on his pledge to “bring power home” to “every postcode in the country”.

“Under our plans, more of the taxes raised in a community will stay in that community,” the prime minister added.

The power to raise and control tax revenues is highly centralised in the UK, making the country an outlier by international standards.

The share of national taxes collected at a local level in the UK is 5.8%, the lowest in the G7, according to the OECD, external, a global policy forum.

That share is far below that of other countries with large economies such as France (20.4%), Japan (36%), and the US (45.7%).

As it stands, mayors of strategic authorities in England receive most of their funding from central government grants.

During his time as Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham pushed for greater control over tax revenue, rather than having to rely on government grants.

The UK government had already been exploring whether a share of revenue from national taxes could be distributed to metro mayors, before Burnham became prime minister earlier this month.

But in a major speech on devolution in June, Burnham said he would “oversee the biggest rebalancing of power our country has ever seen” if he became prime minister.

Burnham has put devolution at the heart of his plan for government, arguing that metro mayors are best placed to boost economic growth across the country.