Editorial 29.11.24
The latest scandal engulfing the BBC dominates much of Friday’s front pages as news that MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has stepped down from his TV hosting duties following accusations of sexual misconduct.
Today’s assisted dying bill vote in the Commons is discussed on the front pages – and online – as the result is expected to be tight and an estimated 100 MPs are still undecided on how to vote.
Several papers react to domestic political news including the latest immigration figures as the prime minister promises reforms to tackle the growing crisis.
‘BBC in fresh sex scandal’
‘BBC started inquiry following Telegraph investigation,’ says the Daily Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph says Gregg Wallace stepped back after the BBC began an inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct, following an investigation by the paper.
‘Wallace faces claims of inappropriate and sexualised behaviour by 13 women,’ says the Metro.
Metro says Wallace is “facing claims of inappropriate and sexualised behaviour during filming by 13 women – including former BBC Newsnight host Kirsty Wark”.
‘Wallace probed over sexual comments,’ says the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror says Wallace was “probed over sexual comments” and 13 complaints were made over his “jokes, boasts and conduct.” The paper highlights Rod Stewart’s “slams” him for “humiliation of contestant wife Penny.”
‘Sir Rod says Wallace humiliated his wife,’ reports The Sun.
The Sun says Sir Rod has accused Wallace of “humiliating” his wife Penny Lancaster. It adds that the “pop legend called Wallace a “tubby, bald bully” as it emerged he faces “misconduct complaints from 13 people”.
‘Rod calls Wallace a tubby bald bully,’ notes the Daily Star.
The Daily Star also uses Sir Rod’s “tubby bald bully” as its front page headline on the story.
‘Assisted dying vote today’
‘MPs urged to press pause button on assisted dying bill,’ highlights the Mail.
The Daily Mail urges MPs to “press the pause button” on what it says is a “rushed and ill-thought-out” legislation.
‘Dame Ester calls for the vote to pass,’ reports the Express.
The Daily Express says the campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen calls on them to allow terminally ill people “the good death we all hope for.”
‘The bill would bring biggest social change to Britain in decades,’ reports The Independent.
The Independent says the result is on a knife-edge. The paper says “MPs are weighing up how to vote on a bill that would bring about the biggest social change in Britain in decades.”
‘At least 100 MPs are still undecided,’ says The Guardian.
The Guardian reports that at least 100 MPs are still undecided. The paper reports the MP behind the bill has urged that legalising assisted dying is a “once in a decade” opportunity in her final plea to parliament before a knife-edge vote.
‘If passed it would be one of the most significant legal changes in a century,’ says the FT.
The FT says if the bill is passed it would be “one of the most significant changes to the legal system in a century.”
‘Louise Haigh scandal’
‘New Labour bombshell,’ says the Daily Mail.
The Daily Mail leads with a “new Labour bombshell” following the revelation that transport secretary Louise Haigh pleaded guilty to a criminal offence in 2014. The paper says there have been calls for the prime minister “to come clean” about why Haigh was given “such a leading role.”
Haigh has since resigned from the role.
‘Haigh insists she made a genuine mistake,’ notes The Times.
The Times notes she “never publicly declared her conviction, even when making judgements about political rivals who had dealings with the police”, referring to her calls for Boris Johnson to resign over the Partygate scandal. Haigh insists she made a “genuine mistake”.