The Sun on Sunday

The Sun on Sunday’s front page splash on 24 August did what only the best tabloid front pages can: distill a major revelation into an eye-catching and memorable format. The scoop, revealing then-Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s purchase of a third home, is accompanied by the iconic and witty headline ‘3 Pads Rayner’. It is wording that was instantly picked up by other publications, becoming synonymous with Rayner’s resignation.

The accompanying strap, ‘Angela Splashes Out’, adds humour while highlighting the public interest of the story. And the exclusive accompanying image of Rayner puffing on a vape

while lying in a dinghy captured the politician at the heart of the story. The photo, taken by Sun on Sunday photographer Dan Charity, became one of the most widely reproduced pictures of the year.

The front page was the result of weeks of scrupulous, painstaking investigation, led by political editor Kate Ferguson and news editor Matthew Bell. Rayner’s eventual resignation over the purchase of the property was one of the biggest stories of 2025. 

The front page also features an agenda-setting showbiz story (‘Strictly star in rape claims arrest’), which promoted crisis talks at the BBC’s best-loved TV show.

Judges’ comments: “Two amazing scoops; one iconic picture. No doubt the envy of its competitors that day.”