Editorial 04 July 2024.
‘General election 2024: Britain decides its future’
Thursday’s front pages report on election day! The papers declare their support for their political parties. In the latest blow to the Conservative Party, the Sun has backed Labour.
The pressure growing on US President Joe Biden to step aside also finds space on a few front pages ahead of a Friday interview and rally that the Biden team will help settle the nerves of donors and voters. The concerns over Biden’s fitness for office come following a disastrous TV debate.
The back pages lead on the England football team ahead of Saturday’s Euros Quarter-finals against Switzerland.
‘Vote Labour’
The Sun has swapped sides and is backing the Labour Party. Using a Euros-themed front page the paper declares ‘It’s time for a new manager … and we don’t mean Southgate’. The Mirror’s entire front page calls on its readers to vote for change and put Labour in power. The paper says ‘we can be better than this’ and reminds the reader to bring photo ID. The Independent has also come out in full support for the Labour Party. The front page tells its readers why they’re backing Starmer and says the Tories have forfeited their right to govern. The paper reports on the latest polling which suggests the Conservatives may end up with 82 seats.
The Guardian picks up on Sir Keir Starmer’s comments of a ‘new era of hope’ as the prime minister’s allies talk of defeat and Labour remains on track for a landslide majority.
The i newspaper – which announced it won’t be supporting either party – also leads on polling. The paper says the gap between Labour and Conservatives has narrowed but Labour remains on course for a landslide. The Metro has a neutral stance noting today’s the day Britain heads to the polling stations – the paper reports the prime minister’s allies have admitted a Labour winner is expected.
‘Vote Conservative’
The Daily Telegraph reports that homeowners are facing a council tax raid under Labour. The paper says leaked recordings suggest the party could raise property levies on the wealthy. The Times says the Labour Party is set for the biggest majority since 1832. The polls suggest he’s going into No 10 with 431 MPs.
The Daily Mail says voting for Reform UK will give you Starmer and Rayner. The paper says claims that if Labour gets in they will – amongst many things listed on their front page – ‘rig’ future elections by giving 16-year-olds the right to vote. The Daily Express’s front page is dedicated to urging its readers to vote Tory. The paper says ‘Labour’s unchecked power will diminish our country.’